Anandapur

Toponymy

The name Anandapur (called as A+nda+Pur) derives from आनन्द सहर (which in Sanskrit means the "City of happiness"). Once during the period of King (Raja) Govinda Bhanja it was known as Athagarh.

Geography

Anandapur is located at 21.21°N 86.11°E / 21.21; 86.11. It has an average elevation of 43 m (141 ft). The town is situated on the bank of river Baitarani (which flows on the southern side of the town).

Climate

Anandapur experiences three distinct seasons: Summer, Monsoon and Winter. Typical summer months are from February to June, with maximum temperatures ranging from 35 °C to 45 °C. May is the warmest month in Anandapur; although summer doesn't end until May. The city often receives heavy thundershowers in May (and the humidity level remains high). During the hottest months, the nights are usually very warm due to high humidity. The monsoon lasts from June to September, with moderate/high rainfall and temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 35 °C. Winter begins in October; the daytime temperature hovers around 28 °C (82 °F) while night temperature is below 15 °C for most of December and January. It Is a Cold Place

Economy

Most of the people depend on agriculture. Nowadays, most of people are inclined towards the business of transportation of iron ore mined from upper Keonjhar area meant for exports via Paradip Port (through trucks and dumpers). Many of them are managing their livelihood by the means of small businesses. The town has a long history of bright educationalists and society values good education more than anything else here. The most recent trend has been that many of younger generation are migrating to other states looking for jobs or opting for jobs in nearby Steel Plants of Kalinganagar (in neighbouring Jajpur district) after a degree or diploma in technical skill based education. As a result of all these, the per capita income of individuals has gone up nowadays.There are one section of people depends on business of handicraft and weaving. This is town is known for its tasar silk handicraft.

Heritage Sites

Anandapur is situated in the strike line of coastal and hilly regions. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery of green hills. It is situated on the bank of river Baitarani which is a sacred river of India, also known as Budha Ganga, and is considered one of the oldest river in India. During the ruling of Keshari dynasty in Odisha many temples of Shiva were constructed. Along the banks of this river many temples of Lord Shiva can be found. The Jhadeswara temple, Balunkeswara Temple, Uttareswara temple, Kundeswara temples and others are situated. Kushaleswara Temple was built by Jajati Keshari. However, the town is well known for its Jagannath Temple known as "Dadhibaman Temple" which is the main temple of the town; and the culture of the town is deeply influenced by rituals of this temple.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Anandapur had a population of 35,043. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Anandapur has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 57% of the males and 43% of females literate. 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Administration

The city of Anandapur is managed by the Anandapur Municipal Council (AMC). However, it is also a sub-division of Keonjhar district, hence there is a sub-divisional officer (SDO) who governs the overall city.

Politics

MLA from Anandapur (SC) Assembly Constituency is Mayadhar Jena(BJD), who won the seat in State elections of 2014. He previously represented this area till 2004 through BJP and later has migrated to BJD. Former Odisha state congress president Mr. Jayadeb Jena had won earlier from here in 1995 and in 1985, and also as INC(I) candidate in 1980. He was previously the PCC president and secretary of PCC, Odisha. Bhagirathi Sethi of Biju Janata Dal had won in 2009, Dasarathi Jena of JD in 1990, and Makar Sethi of JNP in 1977.

Anandapur is part of Keonjhar (Lok Sabha constituency).

Culture and religion

Anandapur is a culturally rich town. With addition to Ratha Jatra and Bahuda Jatra of the Dadhibaman Jagannath Temple, every year the people here celebrate the Baruni Jatra. While Deogaon is famous for the Jagara (Maha Sivaratri) festival around the Kushaleswara Temple, Kantipal celebrates Dola Purnima (Holi).

Transport

Ananadapur is well connected by road from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. NH-215 is the major national highway that runs through this area. The nearest railway station is Jajpur road. Buses and Auto rickshaws run frequently from Anandapur to various surrounding rural villages.It is well connected to Bhadrak and Baleswar by SH-53.

Places of tourist interest

1. Hadagarh : The Salandi river flowing between two high mountains and a dam built over it are the main attractions for the tourists. This place is at a distance of 119 km from Keonjhar and 28 km from Anandapur town. Hadagarh is a reserved forest for elephants and tiger. It is near the Similipal National Park.
2. Chakrateertha : It is a beautiful place located about 3 km from Kantipal. It is a Buddhist site. It is known for waterfall and scenic beauties.
3. Deogaon : It is famous for the Kushaleswar Temple and the Pathara Bandha (Stone embankment on the river Kusei).
4. Along the bank river so many Siva temples were built by Keshri dynasty ruling the odisha that time. The Siva temples are heritage sites and beautiful places for peace and devotion.They are Jhadeswar Temple, Uttareswar Temple, Balunkeswar Temple and Kundewar Temple.
5. Balunkeswar Temple: It is situated in Village Fakirpur. One of the finest place for peace and devotion of Lord Shiva. It is one of the Buddhist site. Some of the idols have Buddhist culture inprints. More research to be needed about Buddhist culture.adachandi Tample
6. Maa Gadachandi Tample: it is situated around boula mauntain Near Sadha Chhak,&7km From Chhenapadi Chhak, &20km from Anandpur,& it is devotion of Maa Gadachandi,& it is a very good place for picnic
7. Dargudisila: Dargudisila is a famous tourist place in Anandapur. This is full of natural greenery sites and the river Baitarani flows through hill side and stones around. This is famous as a picnic and sightseeing beautiful nature. Situated in a small Village/hamlet called Dargudisila in Anandapur Tehsil in Kendujhar District of Odisha State, India. It is located 59 KM towards East from District head quarters Kendujhar. 26 KM from Anandapur. 154 KM from State capital Bhubaneswar.