Balasore: Balang’s sacred Ui Hunka, a site of revered worship and wished-filled prayers
Devotees offer prayers and mantras, and upon fulfillment of their wishes, they place soil on the 50-foot-high Ui Hunka as an offering.
Soro: Maharshi Valmiki Muni emerged from a termite mound, known locally as Ui Hunka, in Balang of Soro block in Balasore district of Odisha. Since then, villagers have been worshiping Balang Muni every Makar Sankranti.
A grand fair featuring recitals of Puranas is held annually at the site. Devotees offer prayers and mantras, and upon fulfillment of their wishes, they place soil on the 50-foot-high Ui Hunka as an offering.
The sage is revered at this termite mound, with devotees thronging to worship and offer prayers. The site is believed to grant wishes, attracting pilgrims from Balasore, Bhadrak, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and beyond.
The Ui Hunka Besha in the forest is a sight to behold, with the folklore surrounding the site being equally captivating. According to Puranas, Maharshi Valmiki’s emergence from the Ui Hunka is the origin of the revered worship of Balang Muni.
A notable addition to this spiritual site is a 57-foot-tall Hanuman statue carved from Muguni stone, sourced from Khiching in Mayurbhanj district.
