Mahabharataand Trail in Odisha

Mahabharata which is viewed as the 5th Veda by many Indians is considered by some as the historical documentation of the kingdoms, dynasties, geography, culture, religious practices and traditions of ancient India. It has a physical presence across India with innumerable sites associated with Pandavas, Kauravas, other characters and Great War of Kurukshetra. Interestingly, many of the sites mentioned in Mahabharata still exist in almost all regions of India. Both physical and spiritual journey through these locations would fascinate any traveller. Incidentally, present day Odisha earlier known as Kalinga, Utkal and a part with Maha Kantar and Dakhin Koshal etc. had played an important role in Mahabharata period. The name of the places like Yayatinagar, Mahendragiri and various rivers of the state are mentioned in original Vyasa's Mahabharata. Even Manipur, as mentioned in Mahabharata was somewhere near Mahendragiri, as per some researchers. Many places of the state are also linked to Mahabharata as per Odia version of Mahabharata by Sarala Das and many other authors of the state. In local folklore there are many places which are having connection with it.