Nayagarh: (Report- Dipak Kumar Rout): Nestled amidst lush forests and rolling hills, the historic Panchupandab pitha stands as a testament to Odisha’s rich mythological heritage. Legend has it that the Pandavas of the Mahabharata once sought refuge here during their Agyatavasa (exile in disguise), lending the surrounding jungle its name—Panchupandab Forest. Despite its cultural and spiritual significance, the temple and its sacred pond now lie in ruins, abandoned by both devotees and authorities. 
Panchupandab's Ancient Temple Lies in Neglect: A Tale of Unfulfilled Promises and Fading Faith


A Promise Forgotten 

In 2016, Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo, then Odisha’s Panchayati Raj and Law Minister, laid the foundation stone for developing Panchupandab as a tourist hub. A commemorative plaque was installed, bearing the names of officials and guests who attended the ceremony. Yet, nearly a decade later, no progress has been made. The site remains neglected, with the temple structure crumbling and the pond dried up due to water scarcity. Even rituals have ceased, leaving the deity without daily worship. 

A Lone Guardian’s Struggle 

Amid the apathy, one man stands as the temple’s last guardian—Nabaghana Jani, an Adivasi from the nearby Bhaliya Pada village. With unwavering devotion, Jani performs daily rituals at his own expense, ensuring the deity is not entirely forgotten. "No one else cares," he says. "But how long can I alone sustain this?" 

Questions Unanswered 

Locals and devotees question why the government’s promises remain unfulfilled. Despite the annual Panchupandab Mahotsav, there has been no effort to restore the temple or provide basic amenities like drinking water, electricity, or proper roofing. The lone installed tap lies dysfunctional, and the tin-roofed shrine leaks during rains. 
"Was the foundation stone just a formality?" asks a villager. "Why has no development reached here, even in 2025? Is this how we preserve our heritage?" 

A Call for Action  

With no administrative attention or intellectual discourse on its revival, Panchupandab’s fate hangs in balance. Will the government finally take notice, or will this sacred site fade into oblivion? For now, the plaque mocking unkept promises and Jani’s solitary prayers are all that remain.  
—Reported from Ground Zero