Bhubaneswar: The Bhimatangi area in Odisha capital with a population of around 20,000 has emerged as a prominent locality in the city.
Once covered with dense forest without any residents, Bhimatangi later became populated as the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) constructed a Housing Board Colony. Gradually, people started buying plots in the area and inhabited it.
There’s an interesting legend behind the naming of the area. As per culture researcher Golak Bihari Singh, it is believed that Pandavas during their exile had spent some years in the area as it was a forest and part of Ekamra Kshetra, a popular pilgrim place.
According to legends, Bhim, one of the Pandava brothers, used to roam in the area for the purpose of collecting fruits and other essential items. As the area was near a foothill (Tangi), it was later named after him as Bhimatangi.
Many also believe that the area has footprints of Bhim.
A Shiv temple located in the locality has been named as Bhimeswar Mahadev Temple.
