Khordha: Historic Gada Khordha came alive with stories of Odisha’s past as heritage enthusiasts from across the state gathered for the inaugural Khordha Heritage Walks (KHW), exploring temples, forts, ancient maths, ponds and other sites associated with the region’s rich cultural legacy.
The initiative, organised by young heritage enthusiasts, seeks to encourage greater public participation in discovering, documenting and preserving Khordha’s historical heritage. The walk covered several important sites, offering participants an opportunity to learn about their history, architecture and associated traditions.
The heritage walk began at the Kunjabihari Temple, where senior Khordha intellectual Bimal Kumar Sarangi spoke about the region’s historical importance, including the arrival of the first Bhoi dynasty ruler, Raja Ramachandra Deva, and the establishment of the Khordha fort.
Writer and heritage enthusiast Prof. Gopal Chandra Das explained the history and architectural features of the temple. According to him, the temple is associated with the first Nabakalebara of Lord Jagannath, during which the deity is believed to have stayed at the site while travelling towards Brahmapur. Maharaja Ramachandra Deva later constructed the temple in memory of the association.
Built in the traditional Pidha style, the temple contains several intricate sculptures, including figures of horse-riding women and foot soldiers. Radha and Krishna are the presiding deities, while Trivikrama, Varaha and Narasimha are worshipped as subsidiary deities. Marks believed to have been caused by bullets during the British campaign against Khordha can also reportedly be seen on the temple walls.
The participants next visited Jagannath Lilakshetra, where Lord Jagannath is believed to have stayed during one of the journeys undertaken to protect the deity from external attacks by taking Him towards Chilika. Prof. Gopal Krishna Das spoke about the history of the site and its traditions, noting that rituals similar to those followed at the Srimandir in Puri are observed here.
The walk then proceeded to Govindajew Math, which is associated with the traditional account of Sakshigopal’s journey from Kanchi to Odisha. Participants were introduced to the history of the site, where Radha and Krishna are worshipped. The premises also contain remains of an old structure built in the traditional Odia architectural style.
However, the difficult approach to the site, including a muddy and waterlogged path, drew attention to the need for better access and conservation of the heritage property.
The heritage explorers subsequently entered the historic Khordha Fort and Rajabati complex, an important site associated with the Bhoi dynasty and the history of Paika resistance. Participants learnt about Raja Ramachandra Deva’s establishment of the fort and its strategic location amid the surrounding hills.
A museum is currently being developed at the fort ruins with government assistance, while restoration work is underway at the historic Rani Pokhari. The participants also learnt about the military significance of nearby Barunei Hill, where a military camp was maintained and torches were reportedly used to signal emergencies.
The walk also covered Buxi Pokhari and another historic pond near the Raghunath Dev Temple. Buxi Pokhari is traditionally associated with Buxi Jagabandhu and was later used for Chapa festivals connected with Radha Kanta Dev and Kunjabihari. Journalist and intellectual Prabhat Panigrahi spoke about historical remains reportedly recovered from the Raghunath pond.
Another important stop was Vrindavan Dev Math, where Raja Ramachandra Deva is believed to have stayed for several days during the construction of the fort. The old structures are now in a severely dilapidated condition. Prof. Gopal Das and heritage walker Nilayam Sarangi explained the math’s connection with Puri’s Bada Odia Math and its traditional role in managing land properties in the Khordha region.
The walkers also visited the Raghunath Temple and Nilakantha Temple, where concerns were raised over the neglect of ancient stone sculptures, including Ananta Shayana and Narasimha figures.
At the Radhakanta Dev Temple, participants explored local traditions associated with Buxi Jagabandhu and the Bhoi rulers. A stone associated with a local legend about Buxi Jagabandhu remains neglected within the temple premises.
The temple, built in the traditional Pidha style and believed to have been constructed by the queen of Raja Ramachandra Deva, also faces several conservation challenges. According to the priest, vegetation has grown over parts of the structure, while rainwater enters the Jagamohan and Natamandap. Waterlogging and overgrown vegetation have further affected the temple surroundings.
The temple houses a stone idol of Sri Krishna, around one-and-a-half feet high, along with a metal idol of Sri Radha. Its intricately carved throne is regarded as an important example of the artistic traditions associated with the Bhoi rulers of the 17th century.
The organisers announced that Khordha Heritage Walks will be held on the fourth Sunday of every month, providing a regular platform for heritage exploration, documentation and awareness.
Heritage enthusiasts and conveners associated with heritage walks in Cuttack, Puri, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur and Ganjam also participated in the inaugural event.
Senior advocate and cultural researcher Shakti Prasad Mishra, journalist Samarendra Baliarsingh, Jyotsna Mohapatra, Jinod Mohanty, Biswajit Das, Preeti Pallavi, Chandrakant Behera and Shreyan Mishra were among those from Khordha who joined the initiative.
The inaugural walk concluded with the felicitation of senior guests and participants. Organisers said the initiative would seek to bring young people closer to Khordha’s history while creating greater awareness about the urgent need to document, protect and conserve its heritage sites.
