In a country where history is measured in terms of millenniums, religion most understandably takes a front seat. The influx of pilgrims to the holy places in Jeypore, yet again prove the significance of religion irrespective of the small town phenomenon. Gupteswar Jeypore is a famous cave shrine visited by pilgrims even from the neighboring state of Chhattisgarh. The sacred lingam is hidden by rocks and is termed ‘Gupteswar’ or the Hidden God and is much revered as Gupta Kedar by the people of nearby Madhya Pradesh who throng the hillside to worship the deity.
The cave shrine of Gupteswar In Jeypore In India is dedicated to Lord Shiva- the destroyer among the holy trinity in Hindu mythology. On Shiva Ratri the Gupteswar In Orissa is flocked by pilgrims all day and all night long. Men, women and children visit the temple on that auspicious day with offerings of flowers, fruits, milk, sweets and bhang. The Gupteswar Jeypore offers quite a feast for the non believers as well, since the cave shrine offers a panoramic view of the surroundings and makes a beautiful sight in itself.
Gupteswar Jeypore is located 58 km from Jeypore town and regular buses, taxis and auto rickshaws are available from the town centre to the shrine. It is better to hire an auto for the to and fro journey if you are in a group of three or four.
The Minna Jhola and the Papadahandi are the other major Holy places in Jeypore. Jeypore is well connected by road to other cities and towns in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. The nearest airport is at Visakhapatnam, 220 km away from Jeypore. The Jeypore railway station falls on the Visakhapatnam Kirandaul line and passenger trains are available from Jeypore.
The best time to visit Jeypore is in winter since the summers are irritably hot in Orissa.
