Hot Spring at ATRI near Baghamari , Khordha
Atri is name of a small village famous for Hot Spring and Famous Shrine of Lord Shiva Hatakeswaar is near Bhagamari on the State High Way from Khordha to Nayagarh, Balangir nearer to Begunia situated in 20 degree 15'N and 85 degree 30'E. It is by road about 13 km from Khurda and 2 km from Baghamari which is connected with a pukka road throughout the year. Surrounding with paddy fields a hot spring with hot bubbles of water and air is comming up from the ground with a strong odour of sulphor, which pervades the locality. It is known the temperature of the spring water is about 55 degree Celsius. The soil at the spring and for a considerable distance round it is composed of alluvium, of marl and laterite.
The water of the hot spring is being collected in a reservoir which is connected with outlets for over flow of water. The radius of the reservoir is about 10 feet and the depth is 15 feet. The water is clear and stones lying at the bottom of the reservoir are visible when the sun rays fall upon the water. There is a belief that the Lord Shiva will bless any barren lady with a child with the miraculous power of removing the curse of barrenness from women, if she searches and eat whatever her hands could catch then the belief is such they would be blessed with child within a year. Most of Baren Lady searches and find any nut or fruit from the water of the hot spring where People throw coconuts, betel nuts, and other fruits and flowers as offering. Normally women come to the reservoir before dawn, at about 3.00 a.m., and search in the reservoir bed for fruits, nuts, etc.
The famous temple of Hatakeswara is situated near-by and the popular folklore is the said hot-spring is the hot breath of Lord Siva Hatakeswar, where Sivaratri and Makar Sankranti festivals are the auspicious functions organized and are attended by a large number of people. The Makar Sankranti festival lasts for about a fortnight where a big market works with great sales. Even if in this modern age you can find different conventional household articles are being gathered for sale.
On the Sankranti day nearly twenty thousand people came to the mela. The festival is managed by a local committee. A bathing complex has been constructed by the Tourism Department.
How to Reach: The Place is about 2 KM away from Baghamari on the Main Road which is connecting Khurda – Nayagarh and the distance of Baghamari from Khurda is about 13 KM, and about 36 Km from Bhubaneswar the State Capital of Odisha. Baghamari is well connected with Govt and Private Buses from Bhubaneswar and you can find Buses within one hour interval for Nayagarh. At Baghamari you can find Auto Rickshaws or Rickshaws to visit the Place or you can hair a vehicle from Khurda or Bhubaneswar for your own convenient.
