Berhampur: Governor Hari Babu Kambhapati, along with Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, participated in the auspicious bath (pabitra snan) and mahayana at Mahendragiri Hill on Monday. The event took place during the ongoing Mhandra Purushottam mela in Gajapati district.
Nine-Day Festival at Mahendragiri
The nine-day mela, organized for the first time at the peak of Mahendragiri, a sacred hill located on the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, commenced on June 2 and will conclude on Tuesday. Thousands of devotees from far-off places in both states thronged the hilltop to participate in the mela, which is organized for world peace. Several saints from across the country also visited the mela.
Prayers at Historic Temples
The governor and the ministers also offered prayers at the historic Kunti temple and at the statue of Lord Parsuram on the hilltop. "I also offered prayers at the historic Kunti temple, seeking divine blessings for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of all," the governor said on his X handle.
"Mahendragiri stands as a timeless symbol of Odisha's spiritual and cultural heritage, fostering faith, devotion and unity across generations," he added.
The event highlights the significance of Mahendragiri as a spiritual center, drawing pilgrims from both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The mela aims to promote peace and harmony, with devotees participating in various rituals and ceremonies. The governor's visit underscores the importance of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the region.
