Olasuni Temple & Hill & Cave, Jajpur, Cuttack

Olasuni Hill and Temple are located near National Highway No. 5 and 60 km distance from Cuttack via Chandikhol Road and 44 km from Jajpur town. Samadhipitha of Santha Arakhit Das is on the top of the Olasuni hill and goddess. Olasuni is worshipped at the feet of the mountain towards the south near the river Gobari. 

First name of Arakhit was Balavadra Deb elder son of Padamalav Dev. The then king of Badakhemundi Taluk of Ganjam district. His mother’s name was Mukta Devi. At the age of 14, Balavadra Deb left his royal palace and moved to hills and forests searching for the blessing of God. In the end, he came to Olasuni hillock, where he started his Sadhana and ultimately got siddhi. During his livelihood at Olasuni. He had written so many books out of which Mahimandal Gita is important to all. 

185 Year Old Olasuni Cave Fair in Jajpur district of Odisha

Jajpur: World famous Olasuni Cave Fair is being observed in Jajpur district of Odisha this year as a low key affair in the wake of the pandemic. Of course, a number of saints have come to witness the same. Started 185 years ago, the fair takes place on the Olasuni hill.

Olasuni Cave Fair is observed on the holy Ekadashi tithi (11^th day) in the dark fortnight of the Magha month every year. Day when Saint Arakshita Das had died. Of course, this year section 144 has been imposed in the area due to the pandemic. While only the rituals are being performed, only a few locals have been allowed to attend.

Fair is observed on the famous Olasuni hill of Jajpur district. Samadhipitha of Saint Arakshita Das is a cave of the Olasuni hill situated in the Badachana Block. For the last 185 years since the demise of the saint this nine day long fair is going on every year in the month of Magha.

Lord Jagannath, Lord Radhakrisha are worshipped here. Also, we can see Samadhi of 7 saints here. Besides, the monkey God Hanuman, Lord Ganesha and a few Shalagram stones are also worshipped here. There is no solid information about the year when the big cave in this Olasuni hill was discovered.

Large numbers of devotees attend this fair from the State as well as out of State. They offer Podapitha to the God here. It is believed that by visiting here, devotees may achieve the virtue like Srikhetra darshan.

In the fair, an angyamala (garland of order) is taken from the Samadhi of saint Arakshita Das to the Grama Devati (Village Deity) temple where it gets ceremonial worship. However, this year many restrictions have been clamped due to the pandemic. Only the devotees have been allowed to provide the offering.

On the occasion of the Olasuni Cave Fair, a festival gets organised. Time the 9^th State level Olasuni Cave Festival is being organised in the nearby Gangi hill hosted by the Olasuni Cave Trust and Santha Arakshita Das Foundation.

Managing committee member of Puri Srimandira, Sri Ramakrushna Das inaugurated the festival. On this occasion Dr. Bijaya Narayana Ramanuja Das and Rabindra Narayan Mishra were felicitated in the honour of Saint Arakshita Das. Besides, the special issue of the Olasuni paper was inaugurated. Many saints took part in the festival.

History of Olasuni Temple

According to Arakhita Das, God is nothing but Sunya Brahma. There is no caste bar to worship God. So that irrespective of caste & creed, people of all sections become his devotees. It is said that he was a follower of Abadhuta Panthi. During his moment of hills and forest one Brahmani named Arakhita Accordingly, he was entitled as Arakhita Das.

Arakhita Das took samadhi during the month of Magha Krishna Ekadasi in the year 1837 AD. Said day is still observed in each year called Gumpha Yatra or Olasuni Mela. Main Prasad of this temple is dried fish and Podapitha. Olasuni Nature Camp having well furnished 3 Nos. of cottages with attached toilet facilities is constructed on the landscaping of the slope of Olasuni Hill. Besides, one common facility centre is also available. Olasuni Hill Station is a tourist attraction in Jajpur.

Olashuni Temple & Nature Camp is a popular tourist destination in Kendrapara, Cuttack, and Jajpur districts. There is a nature camp here for devotees and tourists alike. Another major attraction of the Olasuni Cave is the Yatra, which is visited every year by the well-known Gananatya of Odisha at the Olasuni Mela. Buddhist heritage of Lalitagiri is situated 3 km to the west of Olasuni Hill. A large number of followers and visitors gather here at the time of Olasuni Mela. Olasuni Hill is the best tourist place in Cuttack and Jajpur, Odisha.

Olasuni Nature Camp Price & Information

• Olasuni Nature Camp Price: Non A/C Double Bedded Suite Room for 2 adults per suite price is 1500 per day.
• Tariff excludes complimentary lunch, dinner, and breakfast. An entry fee of Rs. 0.00 per day will be applied extra.
• Children from 4 years to 18 years accompanying the parents and driver of the vehicle will be charged extra at the destination as per the tariff of the destination to be paid at the destination.
• Operation of AC at the location is subject to electricity availability.
• Visitor has to take a print copy of the accommodation booking and entry ticket along with proof of identity.
• Operation of AC at the location is subject to electricity availability.
• Check-in at 12 pm and check-out at 10 am morning.
• Book a maximum of 8 adults at a time.

Olasuni Temple Near by Attraction

• Ratnagiri Monastery – 23 km
• Lalitagiri – 3 km
• Udayagiri – 5 km
• Chandikhol – 20 km
• Biraja Temple – 30 km
• Chhatia Bata – 30 km
• Langudi Hills – 35 km
• Dashashwamedh Ghat – 38 km
• Ashokjhar Waterfall – 40 km
• Gokarneswar Temple – 39 km

How to Reach Olasuni Temple?

Olasuni Temple, located in the serene region of Jajpur near Cuttack, is well-connected and easily accessible by various modes of transport. Here’s how you can reach this spiritual and historical destination:

By Air

Nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, approximately 90 kilometers from Olasuni Temple. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take public transport to reach the destination.

By Train

Closest railway station is Jajpur Keonjhar Road, situated around 40 kilometers from the temple. From the station, you can opt for local buses, auto-rickshaws, or taxis for a comfortable ride to the site.

By Road

• From Bhubaneswar: A 2-hour drive via NH16, covering approximately 90 kilometers.
• From Cuttack: 1.5-hour journey by road, spanning about 70 kilometers.
• From Jajpur Town: It’s a 40-kilometer ride that can be covered by private car or public buses.

Local Transport

Public and private buses connect the temple to nearby cities, including Jajpur, Cuttack, and Bhubaneswar. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available for shorter distances.

FAQs

Q1: What is the significance of Olasuni Temple?

Olasuni Temple is a revered site known for its spiritual and historical significance. It is dedicated to the goddess Olasuni Devi and is a popular pilgrimage destination.

Q2: Where is Olasuni Temple located?

Olasuni Temple is located in the Jajpur district of Odisha, India, nestled in the scenic Olasuni Hills.

Q3: How can I reach Olasuni Temple?

Reach Olasuni Temple by road, train, or air. The nearest railway station is in Cuttack, and the nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar. From there, you can hire a taxi or use local transportation to reach the temple.

Q4: What are the nearby attractions to Olasuni Temple?

Nearby attractions include Ratnagiri Monastery, Lalitagiri, Udayagiri, Chandikhol, Biraja Temple, Chhatia Bata, Langudi Hills, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Ashokjhar Waterfall, and Gokarneswar Temple.

Q5: What is the best time to visit Olasuni Temple?

Best time to visit Olasuni Temple is during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

Q6: Are there any accommodations near Olasuni Temple?

Yes, there are several accommodation options near Olasuni Temple, including guesthouses, hotels, and resorts that cater to different budgets and preferences.

Q7: What activities can I do at Olasuni Hill?

Visitors can explore the temple, enjoy nature walks, meditate in the serene environment, and capture the picturesque landscapes through photography.

Q8: Is there any entry fee for Olasuni Temple?

No, there is no entry fee for visiting Olasuni Temple. It is open to all devotees and tourists.

Q9: What is the historical background of Olasuni Temple?

Olasuni Temple has a rich historical background, with roots dating back centuries. It is associated with the spiritual practices of ancient times and features intricate carvings and architectural marvels.

Q10: Are there any festivals celebrated at Olasuni Temple?

Yes, several festivals are celebrated at Olasuni Temple, attracting a large number of devotees. These festivals include special rituals, cultural programs, and community gatherings.