Nayakpada Cave

Mountains and Valleys

Situated on a hilltop about 10 km from Boudh city, Nayakpada Cave is one of the top tourist attractions in the Boudh district of Odisha. Steeped in mythology and history, this hilltop cave was once an ashram for sadhus, surrounded by lush forests rich in diverse flora and fauna.

According to historical accounts and stories in the Madala Panji, during the reign of Emperor Sovan Dev, the King Raktabahu attacked Shrikshetra Puri. Fearing damage to the idol of Lord Sri Jagannath, followers of Vaishnavism who worshipped Lord Nilamadhaba at Gandharadi safely relocated the deities to Dhritipura within their territory, keeping them undergrounded (Patali). Consequently, Nayakpada Cave is revered as the Patali Srikhetra of Boudh.

Visitors to the cave can see idols of Lord Parshuram, Radhakrishna, and Ram Sita. Along the approach to the site, visitors will pass idols of Hanuman, Ganesh, and Durga, as well as a scenic park. At the base of the hill lies a small temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath along with a guest house. From the hilltop, tourists can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and dense forest, making it a popular destination to visit, particularly during winter.

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