Gupteswar Temple, , India

Gupteswar is a cave temple located on the banks of Kolab River, about 80 km from Koraput, The temple houses a sacred swayambhu Shivling called Gupteswar, which literally means the Hidden God. Shivratri is the major festival celebrated here amidst much pomp and splendor.

 Gupteswar is a city shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a world-famous pilgrimage site situated about 55 km away from Jeypore, Koraput District in the state of Orissa, India.It is alimestone cave discovered some time ago and has a number of scenic spots around.The main attraction is the gigantic Shiva Linga which is said to be increasing in size. Pilgrims from all over the country come here during the Sravana period.

Devotees walk to the Gupteshwar during BolBom yatra to bathe in the maha kund, and then chant near the Shiva Linga.The cave is more or less like Bora caves ( India - Orissa and Andhra border ). But this Gupteswar cave is special for the underground water and the view of Davis fall from the farthest end of the cave . It is really worth seeing . it is a natural cave with Stalagmites. One has to reach the end to view the superb scene .

Gupteswar, the holy shrine shiva lingam is situated in the cave inside the Lingamforest of Ramagiri Hills. It is a famous pilgrimage place of Koraput Dist. which is about 45 Km. away from Jeypore. Surrounded with dense forest having rare big Sal trees and Saberi river makes the place even more interesting. There are many Kimbadanties(people's sayings) attached with this place. Most interesting and renowned one is that the lingam was found out by the King of Jeypore in the year 1665. Since then it has been worshipped by the tribes. One can find other caves also apart from the main cave of Gupteswar. 

 The journey from Koraput to Gupteswar is quite enjoyable. Both side of the road is full of forests with big trees. One can experience lot of monkeys on the way, but trust they never do any harm or attack of the travelers. Journey on the u-turn roads of the hills is always a special experience for anyone. Travel in foggy winter is even more interesting. The rising of sun between two mountains/hills is one of the best scene to watch. One will experience excellent photogenic sceneries on the way to Gupteswar.
Entrance Gate
At the entrance of Gupteswar/Ramagiri hills say about 4 km from the main cave, there situated Goddess Dalkhai (local tribe goddess). One has to offer branches of trees to the goddess before entering into Ramagiri hills. There is allegedly a saying that same was established by the King as protecting goddess. It is also alleged from people of the locality and others who has already experienced the place that no body can enter into the Ramagiri hills without offering branches there.

The main attraction of the place is the Holy shrine cave of Lord Gupteswar. One has to climb some steps to reach at the entrance of the cave. The steps towards the cave is filled with beggers and trees at the both side of it. The entrance of the cave is very narrow. One has to be very careful while entering into the cave. There are maximum chances of possible Entrance into cave accident. Despite of the lighting facilities, still dark out here inside the cave. Inside the cave, there exists the famous holy Lingam of Lord Gupteswar. There exist some other caves very close to the main cave. Some sculptures can be seen inside those caves. The sculptures are looking like the out-coming of Stalactites, but they have been worshipped in various names. One sculpture is worshipped as the great cow of Sage Basista, Kamedhenu. It is the saying of the people that there exists a Tunnel (Surang), If one moves deep inside the cave. However it is so dark, that nothing is visible even with the help of flash light.