Brahmagiri/Puri, May 18:  The historic Rishibant Peetha at Brahmagiri in Odisha’s Puri district, revered as the Tapobhumi of sage Kandu, is facing neglect and calls for urgent restoration. Located near Kashijharia village amidst dense greenery, the site has long been a center of faith and devotion for local communities.

The historic Rishibant Peetha at Brahmagiri in Odisha’s Puri district, revered as the Tapobhumi of sage Kandu, is facing neglect and calls for urgent restoration. Located near Kashijharia village amidst dense greenery, the site has long been a center of faith and devotion for local communities.

Visitors to Rishibant are struck by its mystical aura. The site houses a small temple and yajna mandap, where deities are worshipped alongside relics attributed to Kandu Rishi, including wooden artifacts and a trident. Scholars note that Kandu was regarded as one of the greatest sages among the Vedic seers.

Despite its rich heritage, the Peetha today lies in a dilapidated condition. Overgrown vegetation and crumbling structures have diminished its grandeur, prompting local residents and researchers to demand government intervention. Dilip Kumar Baliarsingh, a researcher, emphasized the need to highlight the shrine’s historical importance, while Ranjan Kumar Dalai, general secretary of the Rishibant Management Committee, stressed the urgency of restoration efforts.

Community members have formed the Rishibant Development Council to spearhead revival initiatives, including plans to build a memorial temple dedicated to Kandu Rishi’s spiritual legacy. They argue that with proper funding and promotion, the site could become a major cultural and spiritual attraction in Odisha.

Also Read: Odisha to Witness Intense Thunderstorms after May 26; Monsoon Kerala Onset Delays, Early Onset over Northeastern States|Exclusive

Locals are appealing for government grants and wider recognition to preserve the shrine’s heritage. They believe that restoring Rishibant Peetha will not only safeguard a vital part of Odisha’s spiritual history but also bring the site into the public eye as a symbol of devotion and mysticism.

As demands grow louder, the fate of this ancient Peetha rests on whether authorities and heritage bodies step in to protect and promote one of Odisha’s most revered yet neglected spiritual landmarks.