Heritage Enthusiasts Explore Jagatsinghpur’s Architectural Marvels, Highlighting Odisha’s Rich Cultural Legacy

Jagatsinghpur: A group of 30 heritage enthusiasts embarked on an immersive journey to explore Odisha’s architectural and spiritual heritage as part of the second edition of Jagatsinghpur Heritage Walks (JHW) yesterday. The curated exploration included visits to the Trilochaneswar Temple at Kundeswar and the Ajaikapada Bhairava Temple at Sathalapura, offering participants a glimpse into the region’s historical significance and architectural grandeur.

Rediscovering Kundeswar’s Architectural Gem: Trilochaneswar Temple

Steeped in antiquity, the Trilochaneswar Temple in Kundeswar is believed to predate the renowned Lingaraj Temple. This ancient shrine stands as a testament to Odisha’s rich architectural legacy. Once part of the historic Kundinagar Nagara (town), which comprised 12 puras (villages), the temple is dedicated to Lord Trilochaneswar Deva, the presiding deity, with Maa Harachandi as the Nagar Devi (protector goddess).

Constructed in the 8th century by King Biswanbara of the Keshari dynasty, the temple follows the Rekha Deula architectural style. The Jagamohana (assembly hall), added between the 10th and 11th centuries, reflects the Pidha Deula style of Kalingan architecture. The temple complex houses three smaller shrines, a Rosaghara (temple kitchen), and a small museum featuring sculptures from the 8th century, as confirmed by inscriptions.

Despite the temple’s historical importance, visitors expressed disappointment over the lack of directional signboards and markers. Under the guidance of Chief Priest Subash Padhi, the heritage enthusiasts explored the temple premises before offering prayers at the Maa Harachandi Temple, where the goddess is closely associated with the Chamunda form based on iconographic evidence.

Rukuna Ghat & Alaka River: From Sacred Waters to Neglect

The group’s next destination was Rukuna Ghat, situated on the banks of the Alaka River, a tributary of the Mahanadi. The river holds deep mythological significance, particularly in the legends of Lord Krishna and Devi Rukmini. However, the deteriorating condition of the river and its surroundings evoked concerns among the participants, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Ancient Cooling Techniques at Siddheswar Temple

At the Siddheswar Temple, the group learned about the temple’s historical origins and its innovative cooling techniquesused to maintain the sacred Mahadeep (sacred oil lamp). The enthusiasts also visited the Saptamatruka Temple, where they were informed about the 2019 theft of two precious idols during Mahasangam celebrations. Unfortunately, the stolen artifacts are yet to be recovered.

Ajaikapada Bhairava Temple: A Rare Tantric Marvel

The final leg of the journey led the participants to the Ajaikapada Bhairava Temple in Sathalapura village, one of only two such temples in Odisha. Built by the Somavamsi Keshari Kings in the early 10th century, the temple’s original structure suffered damage due to floods and invasions. The current Pidha Deula structure was reconstructed in the 20th century, preserving the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), which houses the Bhairava idol with one foot and four hands—a rare depiction associated with Tantric traditions and astrology.

Officially listed as a monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the temple’s unique architectural and spiritual significance attracted considerable interest from the heritage enthusiasts.

Community Participation and Conservation Appeal

The heritage walk saw active participation from Odisha’s prominent heritage groups, including Suresh Prasad Mishra(Convenor, Dhenkanal Heritage Walks), Ajay Singh (Cuttack Heritage Walks), Biswaranjan Dehury (Puri Heritage Walks), and Tarinisen Pattanaik, founder of Aitihya Curated Walks.

The event was meticulously organized by a dynamic young team comprising Srikanta Singh (Convenor, JHW), along with Trilochan, Prabhudutta, Niladri, Sambit, and Asish Padhi. The walk not only reignited public interest in Odisha’s rich heritage but also underscored the pressing need for better preservation and promotion of these ancient treasures.

As the demand for heritage tourism grows, initiatives like Jagatsinghpur Heritage Walks serve as a vital platform to foster awareness and advocacy for Odisha’s architectural and cultural legacy.