Kolnara: Following a divine vision, the idol of Goddess Banadurga and the Shiva Lingam of Ardhanarishwara have appeared near the Rengalapadu hill under the Kolnara block headquarters panchayat. As the news spread, hundreds of devotees have gathered to worship at the site.
According to reports, a priest from Rengalapadu village, named Sushakta Nagabansh, had a divine vision a year ago. In his vision, he was informed about the presence of Goddess Banadurga’s idol and the Shiva Lingam on the nearby hill. After this revelation, Nagabansh visited the site and discovered the deities. He then informed the villagers, and an temporary temple was established at the site for worship. Last year, a Jagar Yatra (a religious procession) was also organized here.
With the help of generous individuals, a stone pathway was created to allow devotees to climb the hill. Every morning and evening, people from nearby areas visit the site, offering prayers for the resolution of their problems. The priest claims that Goddess Banadurga fulfills the wishes of her devotees.
Local villagers state that when the priest meditates on the goddess, she enters his body and speaks through him. During these moments, devotees seek solutions to their problems, and the goddess reportedly provides answers. To perform these rituals, devotees bring offerings such as 5 to 7 handfuls of rice, coconuts, flowers, vermillion, and incense sticks.
Upon hearing about this miraculous event, devotees from Bhawanipatna, Titilagarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Rayagada district have been visiting the site. Worshippers from Bilesu, Paleripadu, Kusumpadar, Rampur, Kashipur, Kalyansinghpur, and Kenduguda are also arriving in large numbers, believing in the divine blessings of the goddess. However, no official support has been provided by the administration so far.
Currently, a temporary tin-roofed temple has been built with local contributions, where Ardhanarishwara and Goddess Banadurga are worshipped. However, due to lack of electricity, water, and proper roads, devotees face difficulties, especially after sunset. Villagers have urged the administration to take steps for better infrastructure, which would benefit everyone.
This year, with public support, the site is set to host Mahashivaratri and Jagar Yatra on the 26th of this month.
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