Dharamgarh

History and Economy

Dharamgarh became a sub-divisional headquarter in post-independence period when Kalahandi joined Odisha state. Dharamagrh sub-division is historically well known for rice production in the region. This region was known as Puel Pahar, which symbolises production of more straw and paddy. In post Upper Indravati irrigation project it is among the leading rice producing sub-divisions in Odisha. Kalahandi contributed largest number of rice mills, out of which majority of the rice mills are in Dharamgarh sub-division.

Temples and Monuments

Bhimkhoj Shiva Temple: This is one of the popular religious site in the region. The Bhima Kunda present near the Shiva temple is believed to be the foot print of Bhima, so the name of village Bhimkhoj (Footprint of Bhima from Mahabharat) is derived from the mythological footprint of Bhima. Recently Nagabom has a quite popular festival associated with this temple.

Paradeswar Temple: It is among the few, perhaps 3, shiva temples in the world where the Linga is made of mercury known as Rasalingam.

Radha Krishna Temple:

Jagannath Temple

Indravati Shiv & Vaishnodevi Temple

Bhandargharen Temple

Hanuman Temple

Maa Durga Temple

Sri Aurobindo Relics Center:The sacred relics of Mahayogi Sri Aurobindo and The Divine Mother Sri Maa installed here on 4 February 2002

Tourist Attraction

Dokhri Chanchra Water Fall: This fall is situated about 20 km from Dharamgarh. It has one of the best scenic view with nature, forest and mountains surrounding it.

Gudahandi Historical Site: Gudahandi is situated in about 20 km from Dharamgarh in the border to Koraput district. In the Gudahandi hills are some ancient caves bearing pictographic paintings of remote antiquity.

Ampani: Ampani hills present a panoramic view of nature. It is also famous for Budharaja Temple and waterfall, located about 40 km from Dharamgarh.

Chura Pahad: Locally known as Chora Dangar is a beautiful place with forest, mountains and springs situated about 15 km from Dharamgarh.

Junagarh: This historical town in Kalahandi is just situated 15 km from Dharamgarh. Junagarh used to be capital of Kalahandi before Bhawanipatna. It has famous Lankeswari temple, Dadhimana temple and Kanak Durga temple.

Indravati Lake: Indravati lake popularly known as Indravati Dam is situated in Mukhiguda. The hydroelectricity power station at Mukhiguda is known to be one of the largest in Asia. This lake is surrounded by forest and mountains giving a beautiful scenic view for nature lovers.

Politics

Dharamgarh is a Vidhan Sabha constituency of Kalahandi district, Odisha. Constituency No: 79

This constituency includes Dharamgarh block, Kalampur block, Koksara block, and 2 Gram panchayats (Bandigaon and Ranamal) of Jaipatana block.

In 2014 election, Biju Janata Dal candidate Puspendra Singh Deo defeated Bharatiya Janta Party candidate Rabindra Pattjoshi by a margin of 16,158 votes.

In 2009 election, Biju Janata Dal candidate Puspendra Singh Deo defeated Indian National Congress candidate Rahasbihari Behera by a margin of 22,906 votes.

Past Elections

Fourteen elections have been held between 1957 and 2014. Elected members from the Dharamgarh Constituency are:

2014: Puspendra Singh Deo (BJD)

2009: Puspendra Singh Deo (BJD)

2004: Bira Sipka (BJD)

2000: Bira Sipka (BJD)

1995: Bira Sipka (Janata Dal)

1990: Bharat Bhusan Bemal (Janata Dal)

1985: Jugaram Behera (Congress)

1980: Gajanan Nayak (Congress)

1977: Gajanan Nayak (Congress)

1974: Dayanidhi Naik (Swatantra Party)

1971: Lochan Dhangada Majhi (Swatantra Party)

1967: Lochan Dhangada Majhi (Swatantra Party)

1961: Mukund Naik (Ganatantra Parishad)

Festivals

Kalahandi Utsav: Kalahandi Utsav is celebrated every year in Dharamgarh along with Bhawanipatna.

Ghanta Jatra

Bhandargharen Puja

Nagabom

Nuakhai

Dasahara: It is an important festival of the region

Hospitals Nearby

Sub-Divisional Headquarters Hospital, Dharamgarh

Sardar Raja Medical College, Jaring

District Headquarters Hospital, Bhawanipatna

Life Worth Hospital, Bhawanipatna

CHC, Junagarh

Schools

K D M E School Dharamgarh

Government High School Dharamgarh

Vocational Train College

Government Girl's High School Dharamgarh

Sri Aurobindo Center Of Integral Education, Dharamgarh

Gurugeeta Public School,Dharamgarh

El Nissi Mission School Dharamgarh

Saraswati sishu vidya mandir Dharamgarh

Sanskaar Public School

Scholar Model School

Gurukul Public School, Dharamgarh.

Kashibahal High School

Central school

Hello Kids - Edurite Play School

College and Technical Institution

Akash College of Science (Junior)

Panchayat College Dharamgarh (Junior)

Panchayat College Dharamgarh (Senior)

Women's College Dharamgarh (Junior)

Women's College Dharamgarh (Senior)

Vocational Higher Secondary School Dharamgarh

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Law College Dharamgarh

Industrial Training Institute

List of Banks

State Bank of India - Main Branch

State Bank of India - Bazaar Pada Branch

Axis Bank

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)

Bank of Baroda (BOB)

DCB Bank

Utkal Grameen Bank (UGB)

Co-Operative Bank

CARD Bank

Important Offices

Sub-Collector Office

Tehsil Office

Block Office

SDO, Public Works Department (PWD)

SDO, Rural Water Supply & Sanitation (RWSS)

SDO, BSNL Office

SDO, Electric Office

Child Development Project Office (CDPO)

District Agriculture Office

EE, MI Office

Sub Registrar Office

Sub Treasury Office

Assistant Civil Supply Office (ACSO)

Horticulture Office

Election Office

Police Station

Office of SDPO

RI Office

Superintendent, Sub-Jail

Issues & Demands

Daily Market/Vending Zone

Issue of Birth & Death Certificate by NAC