Maa Khilamunda - The Spirit Goddess of Dhani Forest

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From time immemorial the indigenous communities living in various forest corridors of Odisha have acquired the art and knowledge of living in the forest environment. The forest may have a wealth of natural resources both for subsistence and earning a livelihood, but is full of dangers. Often the forest people are attacked by wild animals or insect bites. Many fall sick while they are on a forest trek for firewood or edible plant gathering.   




There is a deep faith among the indigenous communities for the forest goddesses, to whom they revere deeply. It is part of their belief system - the forest goddess would come to their home at the time of health crises or other dangers. Before they enter the forest they bow down before her image for divine blessing and after a successful return again they bow down as part of thanksgiving. 



Maa Khilamunda is the tutelary deity of the erstwhile princely state Ranpur in the Nayagarh District. Her shrine is located in the deep jungle of Dhani Forest at a distance of 70/80 km from Bhubaneswar city. 



Maa Khilamunda is a unique blend of tribal and non-tribal beliefs. People both Hindus and indigenous communities have deep faith in her. There are countless stories and legends associated with Maa Khilamunda. While we were there on a winter afternoon during an immersive jungle trail we were introduced to a 75-year-old devotee who recounted his experience when he was a 17-year-old young man. 



Watch here: 



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