Puri: The vibrant mutt culture of Puri, a cornerstone of the town’s spiritual and religious fabric, was at the heart of the fourth edition of the Puri Heritage Walks (PHW) held yesterday. Titled Mahodadhi Monastic Trail: Exploring the Ancient Monasteries, the walk attracted nearly 50 heritage enthusiasts from across Odisha, who embarked on a journey through the sacred monasteries that have shaped the city’s religious and cultural identity.
Puri, known for its connection to the Sri Jagannath Temple and the grand Rath Yatra (Car Festival), is home to numerous mutts, or monastic institutions, which play a pivotal role in maintaining the spiritual ecosystem of the city. These mutts, established from as early as the 6th and 7th centuries AD, reached their peak in the 12th century AD during a significant spiritual renaissance. Many of these monasteries were not only centers of religious thought and practice but were also integral to the services provided during major festivals like the Rath Yatra.
The walk, which began at the Kanchi Kamakoti Ashram and ended at the Sankarananda Mutt, took participants on a fascinating journey through some of the most revered mutts in the region. The pilgrims explored renowned sites such as the Sankaracharya Mutt, Kabir Chaura Ashram, Bidur Mutt, Bauli Mutt, Swarg Shidi, Ramanuj Kot, and finally the Shankarananda Mutt. Each site holds a deep connection to the city’s Vaishnavite traditions and the spiritual ideals that have guided generations of devotees.
Dr. Surendra Mishra, a noted historian and researcher, guided the group through the walk, shedding light on the unique role mutts have played in the religious landscape of Puri, also known as Sankha Kshetra. According to Dr. Mishra, the mutts have been instrumental in promoting Sanatana Dharma and in shaping the spiritual lives of the people of Puri, attracting devotees from all over India who sought to engage in the pursuit of salvation.
Devi Prasanna Nanda, a senior member of PHW and researcher, along with heritage expert Sidharth Acharya, also shared insights on the rich history and cultural significance of the mutts. They emphasized the critical role these institutions have played not just in religious practices but also in fostering a sense of community and preserving the spiritual traditions of the region.
The fourth heritage walk highlighted the deep, ongoing relationship between Puri’s mutts and the local and global communities who have contributed to the city’s spiritual and cultural tapestry over the centuries. The event not only celebrated the rich monastic history of Puri but also aimed to revive and preserve the spiritual narratives and divine connections tied to the mutts that continue to play an essential role in the town’s religious life.