Gonasika and Guptaganga

Gonasika and Guptaganga is a sacred site in Banspal block of Keonjhar district, Odisha, regarded as the origin of the Baitarani River. The river emerges as a spring from a rock formation resembling a cow's nostril (Gonasika) and after flowing a short distance disappears underground at Guptaganga. The site includes a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Brahmeswar Mahadev, set amid forested hills and streams, and is an important pilgrimage centre.

Visitors can expect a forested hill setting with a small stone Shiva temple at Gonasika where the Baitarani spring emerges from a cow-nostril-shaped rock into a stone-lined kund. A short walk leads to Guptaganga where the stream goes underground. The area has steps, rocky paths, forested surroundings, and a quiet pilgrimage atmosphere. Visitors can see the spring, temple rituals, and natural stream and forest landscape.

Gonasika is traditionally regarded as the source of the Baitarani River, a river mentioned in ancient texts. The site has long been a Shaivite pilgrimage centre with the Brahmeswar Mahadev temple marking the sacred spring. The distinctive cow-nostril rock and the disappearing stream at Guptaganga have given the place its name and religious importance over centuries.

The site is sacred to Hindus as the origin of the Baitarani River and abode of Lord Shiva as Brahmeswar Mahadev. Pilgrims take holy dips and offer prayers, especially during Baruni Mela, Makar Sankranti and Maha Shivratri. The river water is considered sacred for rituals and the site reflects local tribal and Hindu traditions of Keonjhar.