Dhenkanal Heritage Walks explores historic Dhunighar Monastery in Ranjagola

Bhubaneswar, Nov 18: The 19th edition of the Dhenkanal Heritage Walks (DHW) took place yesterday, with 45 heritage enthusiasts exploring the Dhunighar Monastery in Ranjagola. Located in the Hindol sub-division under the Balimi police limits, this monastery is a serene and historically rich site surrounded by natural beauty.

Although its exact history is not well-documented, the monastery is believed to be around 300 years old. It was established by Bankata Bihari, a Brahmin preacher who is said to have acquired supernatural powers through spiritual practices, including the installation of an eternal fire (akhanda dhuni). His blessings were believed to have helped the then ruler of Hindol garjat, who donated substantial land to the monastery after receiving divine favor.

The monastery complex includes a Dhuni Temple, a unique Mukti Mandap with 13 distinct pillars, a well (pavachha kupa), shrines for Ashta Shambhu and Brahma, a Jagannath Temple, the Mahant’s residence, and a meditation hall. Baba Bankata Bihari himself is believed to have taken a “jeevanta Samadhi” (living burial), and his tomb is still preserved within the monastery. The sacred items used by Baba, such as his wooden bowl and sandals, are revered and cleaned annually during the Raja Sankranti festival.

The monastery also hosts the Amba Panasa Yatra, a grand festival in celebration of mango and jackfruit, held annually during the Raja festival. Despite its cultural and historical importance, the monastery has yet to be officially recognized as a tourist destination.

The DHW trail was led by Suresh Prasad Mishra, and upon arrival, the heritage walkers were warmly welcomed by the monastery's Mahant, Madhabananda Das, along with the local sarpanch, chairman of the trust board, and other officials. The event was also attended by prominent figures including Prasanna Kumar Pattnayak, Bipin Bihari Pani, Ramesh Chandra Sahu, Bimal Pradhan, poets Akshaya Patra and Narayan Pattnayak, and enthusiastic students from Dhenkanal College.