Puri Heritage Walk Explores the Rich Legacy of Bada Odia Matha

Puri: Puri’s rich religious and literary heritage came alive during the 24th special edition of the Puri Heritage Walks (PHW) on Sunday, as heritage enthusiasts explored historic monasteries and religious landmarks closely linked to the Jagannath tradition, Vaishnavism and Odia literature.

The walk offered participants an opportunity to learn about the lesser-known traditions, rituals, artworks and historical associations of some of Puri’s important monasteries, beginning with the Bada Odia Matha at Baseli Sahi.

The monastery holds a special place in Odisha’s literary history as Atibadi Jagannath Das, the celebrated author of the Odia Bhagabata, is believed to have composed 11 volumes of the scripture here. The site is also believed to have been the Rani Hansapur of the queen during the reign of Gajapati Prataparudra Dev, where Jagannath Das was given an opportunity to stay and continue his literary work.

Participants were briefed about the Matha’s continuing role in several rituals and services associated with the Sri Jagannath Temple. Pandit Siddharth Acharya, Mahanta of Bada Odia Matha, explained that the Mahanta visits the temple in a traditional Mehena (palanquin) on Niladri Bije, following the Rath Yatra.

During the visit, rituals including the majana, or cleaning, of the Ratna Singhasana with Chua water and the fixing of the Trimundi Chandua above the sacred throne are performed under the guidance of the Mahanta and by the Chunara servitors.

Another important tradition associated with the Matha is the preparation of Phuluri Oil, a herbal oil used during the Anasara period. On Anasara Panchami, the oil is taken to the temple and undergoes ritual purification by the Pati Mahapatra servitors before being applied to the deities as part of the traditional treatment.

The Matha also provides the Adhara Pana pots and Adhara Gamuchha associated with their respective rituals and maintains the tradition of daily Bije Panti.

The presiding deity of Bada Odia Matha is Lord Sri Krishna, revered as Sri Rasikaraj. Several other deities are also worshipped within the premises and taken out during festivals such as Jhulan Yatra.

The Matha supplies around seven-and-a-half seers of sandalwood paste for the Sarvanga Chandan ritual of Lord Jagannath on the day after Hera Panchami, when the Lord stays at the Gundicha Temple.

The heritage walkers were also told that the Matha derived its name from its traditional role of providing shelter to Odia pilgrims, while the nearby Sana Odia Matha served pilgrims from outside Odisha.

Several legends are associated with the Matha, including one about its former Mahanta preparing Tanka Torani using leftover Adharpana pots, which was believed to cure children suffering from ailments.

Although the Matha has lost some of its former landholdings over the years, it continues to preserve important relics associated with Atibadi Jagannath Das. His appearance day, Radhashtami, is celebrated at the Matha with traditional fervour.

Paintings offer glimpse into Puri’s artistic heritage

One of the highlights of the visit was the collection of paintings inside Bada Odia Matha. Heritage enthusiasts admired artworks depicting Ravana Chhatra Bhanga, Krishna’s Rasaleela, Pandava Vanavasa, Nabagunjara and the Holy Trinity of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra.

The group then proceeded to Hati Gurudev Matha, a branch of the Benupada Matha of Delanga founded by saint Hadibandhu Das. Its Gadi, known as Arttatrana Gadi, is dedicated to Mahaprabhu Balabhadra.

Local resident and former teacher of Biswambhar Vidyapitha, Lokanath Mishra, explained the significance of the Matha’s Pahili Bhoga tradition associated with Goddess Annapurna. Rabinarayan Nanda, a member of the caretaker family, also shared details about various traditions followed at the Matha.

The monastery observes special rituals during Snana Purnima, Rath Yatra and Pahili Bhoga for its Chaturdha Murti. Participants were informed that its traditions continue with the support and cooperation of local residents as the Matha does not receive direct government funding.

The heritage walk then moved to Bali Matha, which follows the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition and is traditionally associated with Abhiram Thakur, a close associate of Sri Chaitanya.

As the walk coincided with the sacred occasion of Chakrabula Ekadashi, the participants proceeded from Bali Matha towards Bhagabati Kota inside the Srimandir Parikrama Marg. They offered prayers before Chakra Narayan before concluding the walk with Panti Bhoga Prasad.

The heritage walk was conducted under the leadership of co-convener Ashoka Manjari Nayak, with heritage enthusiasts from different parts of Odisha participating.

The 24th special edition highlighted the deep connections between Puri’s monasteries, religious rituals, paintings, literature and living traditions, showcasing how these diverse elements continue to form an integral part of the city’s Jagannath heritage.