Poturaju BHIMA sword belongs to the Pandavas.

The history of Malkangiri seems to be in no way less thrilling and adventurous than any other place of India. The land of dense inaccessible forest, small but beautiful rivers, undulating plateaus and splendorous rich tribal culture. Malkangiri has its history of human civilization enrooted as long as 2500 years back. Prior to the modern civilization, many mythological episodes took place in and around Malkangiri.

          During the reign of Lord Ramachandra, Malkangiri occupied an important place in the entire "The Ramayana". It was the holy river "The Tamasa" and its environs which encouraged Saint Balmiki to express his internal feelings in the form of The Ramayana, the holiest book of Hindus. This place was known as "Malyavantagiri" in the Ramayana. River the Tamasa flowing out of a cave has derived its name from a tribal word "TANSA", which means cave. Banks of this river witnessed the creation of the largest mythological the Ramayana. The scenic beauty if this Malyavantagiri has found an important place in the "Dandi Ramayana" of Balaram Das. The belief of a visit of Lord Ramachandra is further strengthen by the existance of "Sitakunda" the bath place of Godess Sita near Mudulipada. Also during the period of the Mahabharata, this place became the point of attraction for the Pandavas. They spent their "Angyatvasa"(exile) for a period of one year in the dense forest of Malkangiri. In the villages of Koyas, "PANDABOERU"(Pond) are found which they believe to be used by the Pandavas. Even during the month of January, "PATAKHANDA PARVA" is celebrated by the Koyas, a primitive tribal community in which a sword is worshiped. People believe that this sword belongs to the Pandavas. Also they celebrate the "Bhimudu Parva" during January in which "Bhima", the middle Pandava is worshiped and the Koyas believe the Bhima will save their families. Kanamraju (Lord KRISHNA), Balaraju (ARJUNA) and Poturaju (BHIMA) are three famous Lords of this area, who are being worshiped by the people. In every alternative year, Badayatra, the festival of these Lords is celebrated throughout the district.