By SANTOSH MOHANTY
Gradual depletion of Kumbhi tree(Careya arborea) in Satakosia Wildlife Sanctuary, Athamallik, Dhenkanal and Redhakhol forest divisions in Odisha has alarmed followers of Mahima cult in the state. They have expressed fear and anxiety that the extinction of Kumbhi tree might deprive them of getting the bark which they use to wear as their attire.
The relationship between Kumbhi tree(Careya arborea) and Mahima cult is deep rooted. A sect of Mahima Dharma use the barks of Kumbhi trees to cover their bodies who are known as Kumbhipatias.
A number of followers of Mahima Dharma have urged the forest officials of Angul and Dhenkanal districts to take up plantation of Kumbi saplings on a wide scale to so that the barks of the tree will not be in short supply. Such an effort will be beneficial for the ascetics of Mahima Dharma, some followers of the cult said. They said the forest department of Odisha must ensure plantation of the tree on a wide scale to save Mahima Dharma.
The Mahima movement appeared in Odisha in early part of the nineteenth century. Its founder was Mahima Swami or Mahima Gosain. Followers of the cult believed him to be the incarnation of Param Brahma( Supreme Soul).
According to the scriptures of Mahima cult, Mahima Gosain meditated at Kapilas hill in Dhenkanal district of Odisha for 24 years. During meditation he used to put on the bark of Kumbhi tree. Joranda in Dhenkanal district is the seat of Mahima cult which is widely known as Mahima Gadi. The Mahima Gadi spans over 100 acres. Joranda Mela commonly known as Magha Mela is held in January-February every year for a week thronged by followers of the sect from every nook and corner of India.
The ascetics of Mahima Dharma are divided into three sects, Kumbhipatias, Kanapatias and Ashritas. The Kumbhipatias use barks of Kumbhi whose botanical name is Careya arborea. While the Kanapatias use pieces of rag with matted hair palm leaf, the Ashritas use maroon colour attire (Gairikabasana) like the Brahmachari or Yogi.
