Papadahandi ,Jan, 01: An incident of the appearance of a Shivalinga of Lord Mahadev from beneath the soil in a forest area near Kaliaguda village under Papadahandi block has astonished local residents.
What is particularly surprising is that the place where the Shivalinga emerged is completely rocky and surrounded by dense forest. The entire area is encircled by bael trees, and devotees have also noticed three-leafed and five-leafed bael leaves at the site, which they believe to be a divine sign of Lord Mahadev.
According to sources, last Thursday, when the priest of a nearby old Shiva temple had gone to collect bael leaves, he noticed a smooth stone emerging from the soil beneath a bael tree. While digging the soil with a spade, a Shivalinga was revealed.
Although there is no clear or proper road to reach the spot, devotees from far-off places are seen walking on foot through the forest to have a glimpse of the sacred Shivalinga. With offerings of bael leaves, flowers, and water, worship is continuing, and the entire area is now resonating with the chants of “Har Har Mahadev,” creating a deeply devotional atmosphere.