Paralakhemundi: Thousands of people across Odisha and Andhra pradesh thronged to historical importance mahendragiri hill in Gajapati district to participate in Jagar mela.The shrine with mythological importance situated around 1500 meters height from sea level adorned with Gokarneswar.It has a exception from other saiva pithas.As per historians the shrine was established by mahabharat Pandav`s who worshipped Gokarneswar at the hill top.There are four other temples dedicated to Yudhistir, Bhim, Arjun and Kunti on the picturesque hilltop,exists.Besides,the Jagar Mela celebrated at hre shrine for two days,during which the devotees worship lord Siva and enjoys the sun rise.Devotees started reaching the shrine since wee hours on yesterday and after offering prayers before Gokarneswara,and watching sunrise today most of them returned.Gajapti district administration made elaborate arrangements for two days on the hilltop and on the way to the temple from Burukhatpass.Besides temporary stays with safe drinking water, medical units has been opened on the way to Mahendragiri.The entire route has been illuminated to fecilitate the devotees and smooth traffic.Gajapati collector Bijay Kumar Das and SP,Jatindra panda stayed at the shrine to supervise.While seven platoons of police with 4 DSPs,11 Inspectors and 46 SIs has been deployed to maintain the law and order due to huge crowd another around 100 revenue and 50 forest officials and over 200 volunteers of different organisations were present.
