Bhubaneswar, Sep 21: The 41st edition of the Dhenkanal Heritage Walks (DHW) was held at Tapoban, a site associated with the spiritual practices of Mahima Swami, founder of Mahima Dharma.
During the heritage walk, Shrimad Raghunath Baba, head of the Tapoban Mahima Ashram, briefed participants about the history of the ashram, its religious significance and various festivals observed there. Ascetics from the ashram were also present and performed Mahima bhajans.
Mahima Dharma emerged in Odisha in the 19th century and is rooted in the worship of ‘Shunya’ (the Void/Absolute) and the doctrine of Brahmaikavada, or the oneness of the Supreme Being. The faith advocates a society free from caste, creed and social distinctions, promoting equality and harmonious coexistence.
According to Raghunath Baba, Mahima Swami appeared in Puri in 1826 and began his rigorous spiritual practice in the Kapilas mountain range of Dhenkanal in 1832. After 24 years of penance, he formally propagated Mahima Dharma in 1862.
He said that during the first 12 years of Mahima Swami’s penance, Sadananda Sabar of Kadua village supplied fruits for his sustenance, while during the latter 12 years, the then King of Dhenkanal provided cow’s milk.
Raghunath Baba further said that research based on sources including Achyutananda’s Malika, Sridhar Swami’s commentaries and the writings of Bhima Bhoi, along with contributions from researchers, helped identify Tapoban as the site of Mahima Swami’s penance. An Akhanda Bati temple and ashram were established there in 1981.
Participants also highlighted the need for a permanent paved road to the sacred site, saying improved connectivity could help attract more visitors and promote the heritage and spiritual significance of Tapoban.
The walk was conducted under the convenorship of Suresh Prasad Mishra, while Prashant Kumar Mohapatra, secretary of the Tapoban Management Trust, coordinated the event.
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