Rudraksha Baba of Western Odisha: The Divine Legacy of Jhadeshwar Mahadev Temple, Singhrapur"

Jhadeshwar Temple of Singhrapur is located about 40 kilometers from Jharsuguda town, near National Highway 200 in the Lakhapada block. A fascinating and divine story is associated with the origin of the sacred Shiva Lingam housed within this temple. Throughout the year, numerous devotees visit this holy site to offer prayers and perform various religious rituals seeking blessings from Lord Shiva.

During the Zamindari era, around the 17th century, a local Zamindar named Mitrabhanu Singh ruled over Singhrapur. The site where the temple now stands was previously a pond teeming with fish. A tribal man from the nearby region used to regularly fish in the pond, selling some and consuming some for himself.

One day, he was unsuccessful in catching any fish. Frustrated, he blocked the water inflow using mud, stones, and branches, and waited for the water to clear. As the mud water settled, the tribal man discovered a Shiva Lingam submerged at the bottom. Mistaking it for an ordinary stone, he tried to dig it out with a tool. Upon striking it, streams of milk and blood began flowing from the Lingam—an astonishing divine event.

Terrified and amazed, the man informed the Zamindar, Mitrabhanu Singh, who arrived at the site with his villagers. They attempted to move the Shiva Lingam to a drier place, but when struck again by tools, more milk and blood began flowing, prompting them to halt the relocation. A priest was sought to conduct regular worship, and finally, Jayadev Pujhari from the nearby Rampela Bridge region (ShabLahara village) was brought to begin the temple rituals. His descendants have continued the worship for four generations with utmost devotion.

Yadumani Pradhan, a man from Bagmunda village, had long desired a child and visited many priests for blessings. He eventually met a Pandit named Munubabu, who informed him about the miraculous Shiva Lingam of Singhrapur. Inspired, Yadumani vowed to construct a temple if he was blessed with a son. Through Lord Shiva’s grace, his wish was soon fulfilled, and he built the current temple in reverence.

About 25 years ago, Baba Baliya received a divine vision from Lord Jhadeshwar, showing a stream emerging from the Lingam and a hidden underground tunnel connecting Singhrapur’s Jhadeshwar Lingam with Koilighughar Maheshwarnath Shiva Lingam. Following this dream, Baba Baliya arrived at the temple and through his penance, caused a Ganga water stream to emerge from the Lingam. However, due to misuse, the stream later disappeared underground. Since Baba's arrival, devotional songs (bhajans), kirtans, and spiritual gatherings have become common at the temple.

The Shiva Lingam is made of Laterite stone and is often compared to a Rudraksha mala. Hence, the deity is also referred to as Rudraksha Baba.  

Kalasha Yatra festivals are celebrated here during Kartik, Shravan, Baisakh, and Magha.

Special religious particularly the Shivaratri, and Shravan Bol Bom are celebrated with great pump and devotion. Other rituals like Rudra Abhishek and Jalabhishek are also observed with great devotion.

The temple is a center for community events as well, such as marriages, Annaprashan (first rice feeding), and naming ceremonies.

Built over an area of approximately 1,500 square feet, the temple features a mandap (hall) in front for conducting pujas. To the right of the main shrine are shrines of Lord Shani and Ram, Lakshman, and Sita. A 20-foot tall Garuda pillar stands in front of the temple. An ashram beside the temple serves as the residence of Baba Baliya. Nearby, there's a pond and a community mandap used for social and spiritual events. The temple's serene and spiritual environment brings a sense of peace to every devotee.

The Jhadeshwar Mahadev Temple of Singhrapur is not just a sacred pilgrimage site; it is a living testament of divine miracles, unwavering faith, and centuries-old heritage. From the mysterious emergence of the Shiva Lingam to the enduring devotion of local villagers, every stone in this temple tells a story of spiritual awakening.

Surrounded by the calmness of nature, this temple stands today as a symbol of Lord Shiva's eternal blessings and the spiritual prosperity of Western Odisha.

Dear devotees and seekers of peace, we warmly invite you to visit this divine abode of Baba Jhadeshwar. Come and witness the sacred Rudraksha Shiva Lingam, offer your prayers, and experience the divine energy that fills this sacred space. Be a part of the grand celebrations like Mahashivratri, Shravan Bol Bom, and Kalasha Yatra, or simply spend a tranquil moment in the spiritual atmosphere of this ancient temple.

May the divine presence of Baba Jhadeshwar bless your soul with peace and strength.

Location :- https://maps.app.goo.gl/LxXoTAQQAaW49w2S8