Discovering the Serene Beauty of Devkund Ambika Temple & Waterfall in Mayurbhanj Odisha
Devkund Ambika Temple & Waterfall in Mayurbhanj Odisha: Devkund, Deokund, or Debakunda waterfall is situated 60km from Baripada and 85km from Balasore under Udala block in Mayurbhanj District, It is a natural beauty of Odisha, and Similipal National Park. As the name suggests Devkund (where god takes a bath) waterfalls into a Kund or pool which is believed to be a sacred pool. In all, there are 5 waterfalls that fall into Kund and thus the place is also named Pancha Kunda.
- Distance From IIT Kharagpur to Devkund Waterfall Is Approx. 150Km Via SH5 Keshiary-Nayagram
- Google Map: Devkund Waterfall
These 5 waterfalls are Amrit Kund, Ghrita Kund, Haladi Kund, Devkund, and Devi Kund. At 100 steps above the waterfall near the river source, the sacred temple of Devi Ambika is located. Devkund waterfall is situated in the dense forest of Sal making it a lush green area during the Rainy season. The area has a variety of flora and fauna which makes it a perfect habitat for tropical birds and animals. Tiger Reserve of Simlipal is located in the periphery of Devkund.
The area around Devkund is basically a tribal area that consists of more than 50% of the total population of the district. Basically, they are farmers, but they also pursue hunting and work in mines to earn their livelihoods.
Devkund, also known as Debakund, derives its name from the combination of two Odia words – ‘Deba’ meaning deity and ‘Kunda’ meaning small pond, hence translating to ‘Deity Kund’. Nestled within the picturesque Similipal National Park in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, the Devkund Waterfall is a natural marvel that features a serene pond created by the cascading waters.
Adjacent to the waterfall lies the ancient Ambika Mandir, which was discovered by the renowned king and researcher of Mayurbhanj, Prafulla Chandra Bhanja Deo, during the British Raj. Additionally, the area around Debakund Waterfall boasts of various species of lichens, adding to the region’s rich biodiversity.
History
The area around the Devkund waterfall and the temple of Devi Ambika are believed to be developed by the Mayubhanj dynasty in 1940. This place is believed to be ‘Shakti Pith’ and thus goddess Ambika is worshipped in the form of ‘Yoni’ a female sex organ. Also, Pandavas spent their 14 years here in Matsya Desa and concealed their divine weapons during their exile near a tree. This tree is named the Shami tree.
The place is situated in Udala block which is about 45 Km from Badripada, the district headquarters of Mayurbhanj. It is 21.57 degrees N and 86.57 degrees E and at an elevation of 187 feet. The place is covered by Shimlipal Range Hills and the rest area around the district is Plains with slopes.
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