Seraikela: In Seraikela-Kharsawan's Rajnagar block, the historic site of Bheemkhanda holds a special connection to the Mahabharata. Local folklore tells of the Pandavas spending a part of their exile (agyatwas) here, where Bheem is said to have married tribal woman Hidimba. Following their union, they hosted a grand feast and established the Sri Sri Pandaweshwar Mahadev Temple.
The site boasts remnants, including Bheem's footprints and a hearth (chulha) believed to date back to Dwaparyuga. Despite its historical and mythological significance, Bheemkhanda has largely remained in obscurity, failing to secure a place on the tourist map. Tangible efforts to promote and develop the site have yet to materialize.
With Seraikela heading to the polls on November 13, locals express optimism that state and local efforts to promote the area as a tourist destination could enhance its prospects and spotlight its rich historical significance to a broader audience.
Bheemkhanda is along the banks of Bang Banga River, amid the pristine forests around 15 km away from the Rajnagar block office. A signboard inscribed on black marble outside the small temple informs the visitor that this place was discovered by a farmer of Bana village when he came here to rear his cattle.
The inscription further reads the discovery of the temple was made when this place was under the command of late zamindar of Bana Gangadhar Singh Deo. A few more inscriptions tell visitors about other remnants such as Bheem's giant footprints and chulha. The place, however, is battling govt apathy.
Villager Anil Kumar Mahto (50) said Bheemkhanda receives heavy footfalls during Makar Shankranti. "On the rest of the year, it is mostly deserted," he said. Village elders too aren't aware of the exact genesis of this place, but Shankar Oraon, a 65-year-old, another local, said he grew up hearing folklores about the place's significance from his forefathers. A few years back, the local administration put up seating arenas and installed lights as part of its beautification plan, but those are too little, said locals.
Rajnagar BDO Malay Kumar conceded the place deserves better govt patronage, stating they have already sent a plan to the tourism department. "However, it is still to translate on the ground," he told TOI.
Candidates of prominent parties — Champai Soren (BJP) and Ganesh Mahli (JMM) — promised to bring Bheemkhanda on the national tourist map if elected from Seraikela. "Things would have been different here if I (as a CM) got some more time," said Soren, who was an MLA from here six times.