Devkund
Devkund is one of the most attractive scenic spot in Orissa. This is also called as Deokund. Devkund is located at a distance of 60 km from Baripada District. All the tourists of the world of its alluring waterfalls and natural beauty attract this place. Perched on a hill, Maa Ambika is a highly revered deity in this region, whose idol was moved to Baripada`s Ambika Mata Temple from here.
Devkund positioned in deep dark and dense forest of Simlipal Tiger Reserve is one of the religious spot of Orissa. It is the abode of goddess Ambika the presiding deity of the people of Mayurbhanj District
Deokund or Devkund is also renowned for Tantricism as a Shaktipeeth. A perennial spring of water comes down from the hill top, fall from a distance of 100 feet flows down to the lowland. The temple of goddess Ambika is close to the point wherefrom exactly the water falls. This place gives the tourists a perfect placidity with religious fervour.
Though principally a tribal goddess, Goddess Ambika, she once upon a time enjoyed the status of royal deity of the great Virat King of Mahabharata. According to the Indian mythology depicted in one of the Indian Epics, Mahabharata, the Pandavas spent their 14 th year in the court of Virat of Matsydesa, the remain of which is found near Udala 10 km from here. There is also famous Shami tree in which Pandavas had concealed their divine weapons.
Goddess Ambika is worshipped in the form of Yoni, the female sex organ. It is very often noticed that a kind of liquid of white colour comes out of the yoni, which people think of mother experiencing periodical cycle. This happens once a year. Scientist says that it is just a kind of mercury that comes out of the earth crust since Simlipal is rich in mineral resources.
People from all parts of India and from abroad throng the place round the year making it a busy picnic spot. There is also a popular belief that one will regain his vitality strength and good health who baths in the famous Devkund. The water not only carries rich minerals but also the extracts of medicinal herbs available in plenty in the heart of Similipal.
