Sthambeswari’s Legacy and Odia Novel Day: DHW Explores Dhenkanal’s Heritage Depths

Dhenkanal: The 30th heritage exploration by Dhenkanal Heritage Walks (DHW) turned into a memorable cultural and historical journey as enthusiasts revisited Chitalpur, an ancient village steeped in over 1,400 years of history and renowned for its Sthambeswari (Khambeswari) shrine — once the presiding deity of the Sulki Dynasty of Kodalaka Mandala (present-day Dhenkanal and Angul).

Located about 20 km from Hindol and 4 km from the Sukia Bauti Temple of Kunua village, Chitalpur is believed to have been established by Kulastambha, whose inscriptions were discovered in Hindol. The village stands as a testimony to the unique Sthambeswari cult, where ten stone pillars (sthambas) were erected — all still present — surrounding a deity placed on a similar pillar that continues to be worshipped as the village goddess.

The Sthambeswari or Khambeswari deity, depicted upon a pillar or stone, symbolizes a distinct female-centered tradition that flourished between the 7th and 10th centuries in Kodalaka Mandala. The Sulki rulers, initially feudatories of the Bhaumakaras, later became independent monarchs, extending their reign up to Sankhajotisha — believed to be near the Sankha River in Sundargarh.

Many Sulki kings adopted names ending with Stambha — such as Ranastambha, Kanchanastambha, Jayastambha, and Kulastambha — and ruled from their capital at Kualo village in Parjang block. They considered Goddess Sthambeswari their divine protector and made land donations to Brahmins, as evidenced by inscriptions found in Hindol, Bhairabgarh, and Talcher.

During the visit, heritage enthusiasts, guided by Suresh Mishra, convenor of DHW, also explored the Swayambhu Ugraswar Shiva Temple. A copper plate inscription discovered by the late Bairagi Panigrahi and now preserved in the Odisha State Museum, was deciphered by Pandit Satyanarayan Rajguru, confirming the historical donation of the village to Brahmins.

Marking another milestone, Odia Novel Day was celebrated for the first time in Odisha at the auditorium of Ugreswar Mahadev Peetha. The event paid tribute to Umesh Chandra Sarkar, who authored “Padmamali”, the first full-length Odia novel, published on October 19, 1888, in Dhenkanal — as stated in the book’s preface.

Prof. Ramesh Chandra Sahu, senior poet and academic, addressed the gathering as the keynote speaker, underscoring the literary and historical importance of the day.

“At a time when Odia prose was still evolving, the publication of Padmamali from Dhenkanal marks a proud moment for our region’s literary heritage,” said Tapan Kumar Shatpathy, retired government official and cultural researcher, who attended as the chief guest.

Adding to the sentiment, Dibakar Panigrahi, President of Chitalpur Village Committee, said, “Dhenkanal has long been a land of ‘saraswat sadhana’ — a cradle of creativity — and Umesh Chandra Sarkar’s contribution symbolizes that spirit.”

Other guests, including Durga Charan, lauded DHW’s efforts to intertwine literary celebration with heritage conservation.

On the occasion, the poetry collection “Hrudyara Swar” by Kiran Panigrahi was released, and Malay Ranjan Pati, a founding member of DHW, was felicitated for his contribution. The event was supported by Anandhi Purav Sangh of Chitalpur and attended by 35 students and members of Dhenkanal College, alongside local residents.

Prabhanjan Panigrahi, Secretary of Parameswar Yuvak Sangh, extended a vote of thanks, while Biswaranjan Dehury of Odisha Heritage Walks emphasized the need to document a series of books highlighting Dhenkanal’s heritage-rich villages.

With its dual celebration of spiritual heritage and literary milestones, the event not only revived Dhenkanal’s forgotten legacies but also illuminated its enduring contribution to Odisha’s cultural identity.