Curiosity is growing around the mysterious ‘Patal Bhairav’ located beneath a dilapidated temple in Orgonda village, Binpur, Jhargram. Villagers believe this Kalbhairav is in a deep slumber and awakens after a specific period, causing the temple grounds to shake and white smoke to emanate from the idol’s eyes and mouth. The Dehori community of the Pahan tribe continues to offer regular prayers, awaiting Bhairav’s awakening. Locals claim Bhairav last awoke approximately five decades ago.

Rabindra Pahan, a Dehori priest of the Pahan tribe and the temple’s priest, along with villager Dilip Hembram, witnessed smoke emerging from the idol’s mouth and the temple grounds shaking in their childhood. According to them, when Bhairav awakens, the temple premises become damp, and snakes and birds flee the area. According to Sushilkumar Barman, a prominent archaeologist of the district, while there are many dilapidated Jain temples in this area, a large bull idol suggests a Shaivite temple. He has heard about smoke emerging from the idol’s mouth and tremors, and has also observed large holes beneath the altar from which smoke could escape. The archaeologist further states that the geographical location of Orgonda village and its proximity to the Tarafeni River do not rule out the possibility of underground gaseous springs. He is not entirely dismissing the possibility of a dormant volcano at this site, but believes further detailed investigation is required.