Sabarapalli ll Sabara Raja Biswabasu ll Kantilo ll Nayagarh ll Odisha

Jay Nilamadhab
History of Sabarapalli & Sabara King Biswabasu

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The History of Neelamadhab
Neelamadhab is a revered deity in Odisha, India, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple dedicated to Neelamadhab is located in Kantilo, Nayagarh district.
Ancient Origins
The legend of Neelamadhab dates back to ancient times. According to the Puranas, the deity was originally worshipped in the form of an Indranila gem image known as "Nilamadhava." This form is said to have been discovered by a Sabara tribal leader named Biswabasu in the dense forests of Kantilo.
The Legend of Vidyapati
Another significant legend associated with Neelamadhab involves the royal priest Vidyapati. Sent by King Indradyumna of Avanti to search for the deity, Vidyapati came to Kantilo and was welcomed by Biswabasu. During his stay, Vidyapati fell in love with Biswabasu's daughter, Lalita.
Upon their marriage, Vidyapati convinced Lalita to accompany him to Avanti. However, the deity, in the form of a wooden idol (Daru Murti), was reluctant to leave Kantilo. To persuade the deity, Vidyapati created a replica of the Kantilo temple in Avanti. The deity finally agreed to go, but only on the condition that it would return to Kantilo every year during the Rath Yatra festival in Puri.
The Connection to Jagannath
The legend of Neelamadhab is closely linked to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. It is believed that the original image of Jagannath was the Neelamadhab deity brought to Puri by Vidyapati. Over time, the image underwent changes and transformations, eventually taking the form of the wooden idols we see today in the Jagannath Temple.
Key points about the history of Neelamadhab:
Ancient Origins: The deity was originally worshipped in the form of a gem.
Sabara Connection: The legend is deeply rooted in the Sabara tribal culture.
Vidyapati and Lalita: The story of Vidyapati and Lalita is a significant part of the mythology.
Connection to Jagannath: Neelamadhab is believed to be the original form of the Jagannath deity.
The history of Neelamadhab is rich and fascinating, reflecting the cultural and religious heritage of Odisha. The temple continues to be a popular pilgrimage site for devotees, attracting thousands of visitors every year.