Shishupal Mountain: An adventure hub at a height of 900 feet

This mountain is situated at a height of 900 feet above sea level and is now counted among the popular destinations of Chhattisgarh. During rainy season, water falls 1100 feet down and forms Ghoradhar waterfall which has its own story. In this blog post, I will try to give you complete information about this Shishupal mountain.

A great spot for trekking and adventure lovers

There are many places in Chhattisgarh which are full of tourism and historical, religious and mythological importance and are yet to be properly evaluated. One such place which is becoming very popular these days is Shishupal mountain situated in Saraipali under Mahasamund district. These days this place has emerged as a new tourist destination. This mountain has its own historical, religious and mythological importance. A grand fair is organized here every Makar Sankranti and Mahashivratri.

The name of the mountain is associated with historical folklore

Shishupal mountain located in Saraipali of Mahasamund district is a great destination for youth fond of trekking and adventure. This place is known for its unique natural beauty and historical importance. Located at a distance of 157 km from the capital Raipur and about 20 km from Saraipali, this mountain provides a great opportunity to bring tourists closer to nature.

 

Shishupal Parvat (Budha Dongar) is situated at a height of 900 feet above sea level. There is an exciting trekking route to reach here, which gives a new experience of exciting trekking. This tourist place attracts lovers of adventure activities. The trekking route passes through dense forests, rocks and natural trails. There is a huge plain on top of the mountain, from where during the rainy season, water falls 1100 feet down and forms the Ghoradhar waterfall. This waterfall and the greenery around it present an incredible view. In view of the increasing possibilities of tourism, the Tourism Board has taken the initiative to develop it as a tourist destination, basic facilities have been created for the tourists coming here so that their journey can be pleasant and comfortable.

The natural beauty and serene environment of Shishupal Mountain are making it an ideal tourist destination. The atmosphere here, the sound of the waterfall, the cool breeze and the confluence of natural beauty and peace make the tourists experience mental peace and relaxation. This place is also famous for photography and amazing views of nature. Shishupal Mountain is not only an exciting trekking destination, but also a wonderful confluence of history and nature. This place is a great option for trekking, photography and enjoying natural views. If you want to experience natural beauty, adventure and history, then Shishupal Mountain should be on your list. With its historical importance and natural attractions, Shishupal Mountain is becoming a new center of tourism in today's era.

Every year, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and Mahashivratri, a large number of devotees come to Shishupal Parvat tourist spot for darshan and worship. During this time, a grand fair is organized around the temple, in which people enjoy the hustle and bustle of the fair along with religious rituals. This fair held on Makar Sankranti is a confluence of history and natural beauty. Religious faith, historicity, wonderful experience of adventure tourism makes it a complete tourist destination. This fair is a special center of attraction not only for the local people but also for the tourists coming from far and wide. New employment opportunities are also being created here.

The name of the mountain is associated with historical folklore

Shishupal mountain has historical and mythological importance. Regarding this, the local citizens say that the name of Shishupal mountain (Budha Dongar) is associated with local folklore. In this context, there is a legend that once there used to be a palace of King Shishupal on this mountain. It has a glorious history. An impenetrable fort, tunnel and Shiva temple have been built on the mountain, whose ruins still tell the glory of the past. When the British surrounded the king, he demonstrated bravery by blindfolding his horse and jumping from the mountain. Due to this incident, this mountain was named Shishupal mountain and the waterfall located here was named Ghoradhar waterfall. This perennial waterfall is an unmatched example of amazing beauty due to falling from a very high height.

One more thing is heard in this regard that according to the legends, the last prominent king of Phuljhar on the Budha Dongar Shishupal mountain had seven queens. After the king died in the war, his queens followed the Sati Dharma by jumping from the fierce Ghoda Dhar waterfall. At present, in the ancient Garh Kena, in the middle of the said village, a goddess called Sati Dai is worshipped in the form of a simple stone piece. The said Sati Dai must also have been the queen of some feudal king of earlier times, who must have followed the Sati Dharma after the death of her husband. 

Possibility of the best tourist route

Initiatives are being taken to develop this area as a tourist area. The forest department has examined the site in view of the possibilities of tourism and employment and since Bansod caste is found in abundance in the surrounding area, who make bamboo art. They can also be linked with employment. Also, it should be developed as a tourist circuit. Experts say that Chandrahasini Devi Temple, Gomarda Sanctuary, Singhora Temple, Devdarha Waterfall and tourist place Narsinghnath can be linked from here.

It is important to know about some major places located nearby

Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple

After climbing a few hundred meters, you will find a small Hanuman temple. Local people say that the villagers have worked hard to make sure that people can rest a little after reaching this Panchmukhi Hanuman temple. When they go to the temple fair, they bring sand and a few bricks in a bag and spread it here. This has created a place for the people climbing the mountain to sit when they get tired.

Rani Talab and Raja Kachheri

It is said that King Shishupal had two queens. Both had separate ponds, which are still there. There are also the ruins of the King's Kachheri, where the king used to meet his subjects.

Armory

There is a very long tunnel here. The sand of the river has now blocked the path of this tunnel, but local residents say that the weapons of the king are still lying inside the tunnel.

How to reach

• If you are coming by rail then you can get down at Mahasamund railway station of Chhattisgarh and if you want to come by air then after reaching Vivekanand Airport, Raipur you can reach here by taxi

• Its distance from Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh is about 160 km which you can cover by taxi or any other means of road

• If we talk about the nearest bus stand, then the district headquarters Saraipali is about 20 km from here.

When to go

There is no need for any particular season to visit such a forest tourist place but its beauty remains at its peak if you go there during rainy season because then you get to see the real fun of the waterfall.

What to keep in mind

• This is a trekking destination, so carry all your necessary items with you

• Try to plan a trip here with a group

• Be careful while climbing the hill

Photo courtesy – Swapnil Premdas (Swapnil Premdas, S. Dance Academy)

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. In which state is this place?

This place is located in Saraipali district of Chhattisgarh state

2. Can one reach here by road?

Yes, but you will have to do a long trekking ahead 

3. In which season can the waterfall be seen?

For this, it would be better to come in the rainy season 

4. Is there any picnic spot on the mountain?

There is a flat ground on top of the mountain which is beautiful and amazing in itself