Papadahandi, Jan, 12: A Shivling has reportedly appeared in the Nachanipokhana forest area, located between the villages of Nakatiguda, Punjiguda, and Kaliaguda under Papadahandi block of Nabarangpur district. After the news spread, a growing number of devotees from nearby areas have been gathering at the site to offer prayers.
On Thursday night, Chandra Bhatra of Kaliaguda village reportedly received a divine message in a dream. Early Friday morning, he went to the Nachanipokhana forest. While plucking bel leaves, he noticed a Shivling. He then called Laxman Bhatra, who was nearby in the forest. Together, they cleared the surrounding bushes and vegetation, after which the Shivling became fully visible.
After the information reached the village, local residents arrived at the spot, cleaned the entire area, and began worship. Devotees from several villages, including Minja, Sunadangri, Papadahandi, Punjiguda, Kaliaguda, and Nakatiguda, are visiting the site in large numbers to offer prayers and have darshan of the Shivling.
There is no proper road leading to the Nachanipokhana forest; only a narrow footpath exists, and the presence of wild animals in the forest has been reported. The place where the Shivling has appeared is surrounded by numerous bel trees. Locals believe that a large number of devotees will visit the site in the coming days.