The Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Pitha in Khaliapali village, Subarnapur, Odisha, is a spiritual site dedicated to the 19th-century saint-poet Bhima Bhoi. It is a holy place, also referred to as Sunya Mandir, where devotees and visitors attend in search of spiritual inspiration or cultural perspective.
It is located 30 km from Sonepur and represents the fundamental principles of Mahima Dharma, the monotheism of Mahima Gosain, for which Bhima Bhoi himself was a great apostle, preacher, and activist. The peaceful atmosphere and spiritual history of the site make it a great place to visit.
Visitors admire the peaceful site of the ashram and Bhima Bhoi with his reformative movement against unacceptable caste discrimination practised by certain groups of people, and some other people who commit social injustice. The site truly comes alive with the annual Magha Mela festival, where thousands of visitors gather to share in Bhima Bhoi’s teachings and his enduring principles of equality, inclusiveness, and devotion to God.
Key Features & Points for Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Pitha
- Samadi Mandir: The Pitha’s primary structure, a place dedicated to Bhima Bhoi’s Samadhi.
- Ashram: A place that Mahima Dharma followers maintain and provide for their daily prayers and rituals.
- Religious Significance: The Pitha is an important pilgrimage site for Mahima Dharma followers.
- Tourist Attraction: The Pitha is also an attraction for travelers visiting Subarnapur, according to the Government of Odisha.
- Location: About 30 km from Sonepur town, according to the Government of Odisha.
- Nearest Airports: Bhubaneswar (about 260 km away) and Raipur (about 285 km away).
- Access: Connected to Bhubaneswar and Raipur.
Historical Significance of Bhima Bhoi and Mahima Dharma
Bhima Bhoi was born in 1850 at Jatasinga, in Subarnapur district, and was a poet and a vision-oriented social reformer of the Kondh tribe. The Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Pitha is an ode to all that Bhima Bhoi had done for Mahima Dharma, which is a single God religion and social emancipation. Despite being blind and illiterate, Baunsi Bhoi wrote many wonderful poems, including a Stuti called Chintamani, in the award and praise of the unique idiosyncrasies of the other deprived communities.
Bhima Bhoi also wrote some famous lines of verses, which are inscribed on a stone in the UNO Hall, having both a deep social vision and a selfless dedication to the liberation of all humanity. The Samadhi Pitha at the top of the Loisingha hill, facing the Ninidi creek, was built after he died in 1895, to enshrine his samadhi, with the worshipped silver-coated kathaui (wooden footwear) of Bhoi himself, offered daily.
The Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Pitha Trust and Sonepur administration began the historical restoration of the site, which is matched only by the cultural power that it stands for. The Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Pitha today represents a common representation of bliss and experience of social reform and spiritual yearning.
Architectural and Cultural Highlights
Situated in Khaliapali, the Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Pitha is a modest structure of tight simplicity; however, it evidently bears deep significance from a spiritual standpoint, offering great adherence to Mahima Dharma’s focus on simplicity. The Samadhi Mandir, alternatively known as Sunya Mandir, contains Bhima Bhoi’s mortal remains and includes an upasana gruha, used for the daily rituals’ completion (alati and annabhoga).
The sandals of Bhima Bhoi and his consort Annapurna, coated in silver, make up the most revered part of the Samadhi Pitha and, by wearing them, memorialize Bhima Bhoi’s spiritual legacy. The surrounding rural settings of the ashram offer a peaceful aspect for the completion of rituals and meditation, with a certain element of reflection placed on the person of Bhima Bhoi.
The site, even though simple, has,” to an extent, “an architectural style that promotes the egalitarianism spread throughout Mahima Dharma. This property is a unique cultural offering in Subarnapur, where it effectively attracts tourists, scholars, and followers alike.
In addition to the daily (alati and anubhopagh) and other rituals performed, during the Magha Mela, the SamadhJi Pitha becomes an impressive bhajan medan, much appreciated to beats from impressive drums, with a rich engagement with bhajan singing and numerous devotees participating in the event.
Spiritual Practices and Festivals
The Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Pitha functions today as a living centre for the practices of Mahima Dharma devotees, who visit the site every day, to engage in practices which usually involve prayer, worship, and meditation. The rituals that happen at the site, such as the Paduka Darshan and offerings to Sunya Brahma, emphasize a devotion to a formless divine, which was central to Bhima Bhoi’s philosophy.
Every year, the five-day Magha Mela festival offers the greatest and loudest celebration of this philosophy as thousands of people gather for a Jhada Deepa darshan after expressing their spiritual devotion through bhajan recitations and conducting their puja ceremonies. The festival attracts a great variety of devotees, rich and poor alike, who come to reflect the philosophy of equality and non-violence that Bhoi embraced.
Participants include saints, pundits, and bhajan singers, all creating a vibrant atmosphere for the event. The secluded surroundings offered by the ashram facilitate clear thinking and contemplation about one’s spiritual awakening and desires. The Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Pitha remains a central and significant place for all who practice Mahima Dharma, while also reflecting the yearning of the poet’s dreams of a just and equitable society.
How to Reach and Visitor Information
Visiting the Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Pitha in Khaliapali is easy for those exploring Subarnapur, Odisha. The site sits only 16-30 km away from Sonepur, so getting to the samadhi pitha by bus or taxi from the main bus stand in Sonepur is not a challenge.
The nearest railway station is Balangir (46 km away); Balangir is connected by train to Bhubaneswar, Raipur, and other major cities. The nearest airports are Veer Surendra Sai Airport at Jharsuguda (144 km away) and Biju Patnaik International Airport at Bhubaneswar (290 km away). You can visit some nearby attractions such as Patali Srikhetra and Lankeswari Temple.
The best time to visit the Bhima Bhoi Ashram is definitely during the Magha Mela as it creates the warmth of a spiritual pilgrimage; the ashram is always a nice place to visit, given the peaceful environment that welcomes pilgrims year-round. The small town of Sonepur has only a couple of basic accommodations and dining options, so plan accordingly for a complete spiritual and cultural experience. Enjoy your visit to this sacred place.
Bhima Bhoi’s Legacy and Modern Relevance
The Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Pitha represents a testament to the poet’s lasting identity as a subaltern saint and social reformer. His ascribed teachings, passed down from Mahima Dharma to us, remain an inspiring quality, non-violence, and devotion today. For example, the page publication of Bhoi’s poetry, through Brahma Nirupana Gita, has retained resonance up to the present day, including Bhoi’s poetry being featured at the UNO Hall, emblematic of universal human compassion.
The establishment of research chairs at formerly referenced Gangadhar Meher University is a reflection of the influence of Bhoi’s philosophy. The Samadhi Pitha includes a place of worship as intended for Bhima Bhoi by the Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Pitha Trust, but also includes a stela for study for scholars and students alike.
The Samadhi Pitha has continued relevance for people who claim to establish social justice, as well as for spiritual communities continuing the legacy of Bhima Bhoi, making it a reference point for both issues with religion and spirituality, as well as broader social issues related to inequality and sometimes division in society. The Samadhi Pitha is one symbol of hope in providing a frame of reference, accountability, and relationship.
Tourist Facilities, Transportation, Tourist Attractions, How to Reach, Accessibility
Opening Time
Bhima Bhoi Sunya mandir opening time is from Monday to Sunday, Morning 5 am to Evening 9 pm.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sonepur Bhima Bhoi Temple is at all times of the year and during Magha Mela.
Closest Bus Stand and Distance
The Closest Bus stand is Sonepur, which is located around 16 KM distance from Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Temple.
Closest Railway Station & Distance
The Closest Railway Station is Balangir, which is located around 46 KM distance from Bhima Bhoi Ashram.
Closest Airport and Distance
The Closest airport is Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda, which is located around 144 KM distance from Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Temple, and is about 290 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar
