Garden of Healing

Urban Heritage conservation

The site of Ekamravana, through having rich heritage and mythological significance, had fallen in disuse and remained so untill 2007. The neighbourhood of 11th Century Lingraj Temple and the banks of adjoining water body Bindusangar in itself had remained untouched by urban planning till the turn of the century.

It was a challenge to restore the sacredness associated with a lake Bindusagar while at the same time creating a landscape having contemporary relevance. Today, the garden serves to revive interest in the rich legacy of medicianal plants while providing momments of tranguillty and peace to its visitors in its heritage landscaped arbour.

Inspired by the restoration of the nearby Gangeswar-Jamuneswar temple undertaken by INTACH. It was decided to create the Ekamravana in a maner that ensures its continuity with the heritage sites in the vicinity.

The garden is managed by an autonomus 'Ekamravana Medicinal Plant Garden Society' promoted by the Forest and Environment Department of Government of Odisha. It also has a nursery that raises and sells saplings of medicinal plants and herbs to popularise these plants among visitors