Bhubaneswar: The centuries-old Sri Ananta Purushottam Temple at Jagulipatna, known for its distinctive full-length deities, unique Rath Yatra traditions and legends linked to Odisha’s royal past, came into focus during the third edition of Khordha Heritage Walks (KHW).
The walk began Sunday at Chandichua Square, with 25 heritage enthusiasts from across Odisha taking part. Temple servitors Kamalalochan Das Maharaj and Ganesh Das Maharaj, along with local residents, welcomed the participants.
Senior journalist Prabhata Kumar Panigrahi spoke about the temple’s history and religious significance. Kamalalochan Das Maharaj explained its daily rituals and major festivals, while Baikun thanath Mohapatra and Meenaketan Mohanty shared insights into its cultural heritage.
According to local accounts, the temple’s history is linked to Ga japati Dibyasingha Deb, who was reportedly sent to Kala Pani during British rule but escaped and later sought refuge with Baba Raghubir Das, who is associated with the shrine, under the assumed identity of Dayanidhi Das.
Another legend attributes the creation of the deities to a divine inspiration received through a dream of Lord Jagannath. Artisans from Puri are said to have carved the idols from timber brought from Beruhan village, while Brahmins from Kerala reportedly arrived to consecrate them.
Worship is believed to have begun in a thatched house before the present temple was built. A distinctive feature of the shrine is its full-length idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.
Lord Balabhadra is depicted holding a hala (plough) and musala (pestle), while Lord Jagannath holds a conch and the Sudarshan Chakra. The temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to Bhairaveswar, Chaitanya Deb, Lord Hanuman and Goddess Lakshmi, as well as the samadhi of Mahant Raghubir Das.
The temple’s Rath Ya tra, once celebrated with three chariots, was reportedly suspended for a period before being revived in 1980. The annual festival has continued since then. Participants also visited Kalpabata, the Bhairava shrine, the samadhis of former mahants, Karunya Kunda, Jagulei Temple and the Gundicha Mandap.
They expressed concern over the neglected condition of the former mahants’ samadhis and stressed the need to preserve the site’s historical remains.