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GUPTESHWAR

16th February, 2024

GUPTESHWAR

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/travel/odisha-gupteswar-forest-declared-as-fourth-biodiversity-heritage-site-in-state-101707740395367.html

Context: The Odisha government has officially designated the Gupteswar forest in Koraput district as the state's fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).

About Gupteswar Forest

  • The forest finds its roots in the sacred groves traditionally revered by the local communities. These groves have been protected for generations, fostering a unique ecological balance.
  • Recognizing its ecological significance, the Odisha government recognised Gupteswar Forest as the state's fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site, ensuring its long-term conservation and development.
  • The forest is situated near the Gupteswar Shiva temple, lies in the Eastern Ghats mountain range.
  • The perennial Vamsadhara River serves as the forest's lifeline, nourishing its diverse ecosystem.
  • The forest is a treasure trove of plant life, encompassing 182 species of trees, 76 species of shrubs, 177 species of herbs, 69 species of climbers, and 14 species of orchids.
  • The forest provides sanctuary to several threatened species, including the Indian trumpet tree, Indian snakeroot, Cumbi gum tree, and various wild relatives of ginger and turmeric.
  • Tribal communities like the Dongria Kondh tribe and Parajas have a long history of living in harmony with the forest, practising sustainable harvesting and conservation methods.

Gupteswar Cave

●Gupteswar Cave is a Hindu cave shrine located inside the Gupteswar forest in Koraput district of Odisha.

●It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Odisha.

●It is named after Lord Shiva, who is also known as Gupteshwar, which means "the hidden god."

●It is said to have been discovered by Rama during his exile.

●It is also home to a number of other Hindu deities, including Vishnu, Ganesha, and Parvati.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Recently the Gupteswar Cave has been frequently seen in the news, it is located in:

A) Karnataka

B) Odisha

C) Madhya Pradesh

D) Uttar Pradesh

Answer:  B