Dhenkanal: While much of Odisha revelled in swings, sweets, and celebrations for the Raja festival, a quieter, more reflective celebration unfolded in the village of Deopada, where heritage enthusiasts gathered for the 26th edition of the Dhenkanal Heritage Walks (DHW). This special trail led participants to the centuries-old Kumbheswar Temple, blending spiritual discovery with cultural exploration.
The walk attracted around 30 participants from across the state, who began the day by cleaning the temple premises—an act of devotion and respect—before setting out on a guided journey through the temple’s remarkable legacy. Built in 1818 AD by King Gopinatha Bebarta Pattanaik of Athagarh, the temple is dedicated to Lord Kumbheswar, a form of Lord Shiva. According to local legend, the name Deopada itself—derived from “Deva” (God) and “Pada” (footstep)—reflects the divine purpose for which the village was founded.
History and mythology intertwined as the group learned about the temple’s origin stories. One tale speaks of the temple arising from a sacred pot (kumbha), giving the deity His name. Another links the site to the traditional story of a cow releasing milk on the ground where a lingam lay buried, prompting the construction of a shrine. The temple’s fortunes changed after Dhenkanal’s King Trilochan Singh Mahendra Bahadur defeated the rulers of Tigiria and Athagarh, incorporating the area into his kingdom and preserving its spiritual significance.
Convener Suresh Prasad Mishra welcomed the group and facilitated conversations with village elders, priests, and heritage experts. Participants delved into the unique architectural elements of the temple—the towering Rekha Deula structure, a Pidha-style entrance, and the rare 16-pillared Nata Mandap, which mirrors the design of Dhenkanal’s renowned Kapilash Temple. What surprised many was the presence of finely carved Vishnu statues, hinting at a unique blend of Shaivism and Vaishnavism, or what some called the “Harihara” culture once prevalent in the region.
Adding to its spiritual mosaic, the temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to Maa Chinnamasta and a recently added temple to Lord Jagannath. Experts like Suresh Pradhan, who has authored histories of Athagarh, noted similarities with other royal-era temples and suggested that the weathered stones of Kumbheswar could reveal more with scientific study.
The temple’s priest, affectionately known as Panda Babu, spoke of the vibrant traditions once celebrated here—Shivaratri, Shital Sasthi, and the now-defunct but once culturally significant Danda Nacha. He expressed hope that such walks would reignite local interest in reviving these age-old practices.
The trail ended on a colourful note with a visit to nearby Gobindapur village, where participants caught a glimpse of the local Raja Doli procession and tasted the region’s iconic Dhenkanal bara at roadside shops—delicious symbols of a still-living cultural heritage.
Offering closing remarks, DHW founding member Dr. Malay Pati thanked participants, while Prof. Mihir Ranjan Patra from Hisar University reflected on how the experience deepened his understanding of Odisha’s layered history.
Odisha Heritage Walks convener Biswaranjan Dehury noted that such initiatives are being mirrored across cities like Cuttack, Balasore, Puri, and Baripada. “Heritage is not just about monuments,” he said. “It’s about memories, rituals, food, and the people who keep those alive.”
