Jagatsinghpur: The 21st edition of the Jagatsinghpur Heritage Walks (JHW) took participants to the historic Jhankeswar Mahadev Temple at Birittola village in Tirtol block, offering an opportunity to explore the shrine’s rich archaeological, historical and spiritual signifi cance.
Considered contemporary in antiquity with the famous Sarala Temple at Jhankad, the Jhankeswar Mahadev shrine, also known as Jhankadeswar Mahadev, is situated in the historically significant Jhankad Kshetra. Although the present temple structure is a modern construction, the premises preserve several ancient relics, including an exquisite idol of Uma-Maheshwara and images of attendant deities such as Ajaikapada Bhairava, Mahishamardini Durga, Astika-Jaratkaru, Ganesha, Kartikeya and Parvati.
Ranjan Kumar Panda, chief priest of the Sarala Temple, attended the programme as the chief speaker and shared insights into Maa Sarala, the presiding deity of Jhankad, Adi Kavi Sarala Das, Nanda Deula, the Vruddha Nadi and the Jhankeswar Mahadev Temple. He has documented anecdotes and accounts relating to these subjects in his book, Sri Chandi Sarala Madala. The temple’s origins are believed to date back to the 9th- 10th centuries AD, reflecting the Shaivite architectural and religious traditions patronised by dynasties such as the Somavamsis.
Its name, Jhankeswara or Jhankadeswar, is believed to have been derived from the historical name of the surrounding region, Jhankad. Following its desecration, the shrine reportedly remained neglected for a long period before being revived and rebuilt in the early 19th century through the efforts of local rulers and devotees. The religious history of Jhankad reflects the coexistence of Shaivism and Shaktism, with the worship of Lord Shiva closely associated with the region’s prominent Shakti Peetha of Maa Sarala.
A visit to the Jhankeswar Mahadev shrine has traditionally formed part of the spiritual journey of pilgrims visiting the Sarala Temple. Local traditions also associate the spiritual heritage of Jhankad, including the Jhankeswar shrine, with the 15th-century saint-poet Sarala Das, originally known as Sidheshwar Parida. He is revered for composing the Odia Mahabharata and is believed to have received the blessings of the deities of Jhankad.
The heritage walk was attended by 25 enthusiasts and led by JHW convener Srikant Singh. The programme highlighted the importance of documenting and preserving the region’s historical and cultural heritage. Biswaranjan Dehury, convener of Odisha Heritage Walks, the umbrella organisation coordinating district-level heritage walks, announced that Jajpur Heritage Walks would begin its monthly programmes in the first week of December.