Puri: The 19th edition of the Puri Heritage Walks (PHW) took place this past Sunday as enthusiasts gathered to explore the historical and spiritual landmarks along Lokanath Marg. Led by convener Dr. Kumar Aurojyoti and co-convener Ashoka Manjari Nayak, the group traversed a route rich in Maratha history, ancient monastic traditions, and architectural evolution.
The journey commenced at the Bargi Mahavir Temple at Chhapan Chhak. Heritage researcher Ashoka Manjari Nayak detailed the origins of the shrine, noting that the term Bargi refers to the Marathas who historically used the Lokanath Ghat route for their incursions. According to local lore, the deity was installed specifically to appease the advancing Maratha forces. Upon seeing their revered Hanuman, the invaders would refrain from violence, leading to the name Bargi Hanuman.
Moving forward, the participants visited the Dukhishyam Chhata Matha, a monastery believed to be contemporary with the Sri Jagannatha Temple. Local tradition attributes its founding to King Chodaganga Deva, who is said to have been cured of leprosy at this site. In gratitude, the monarch established the deities of Narasimha and Radha-Madhava. The main shrine, constructed in the Rekha Deula style, currently bears a white appearance from repeated lime washing. While the complex houses the graveyards of former mahants, walkers noted that portions of the structure are now in a dilapidated state due to a lack of maintenance.
The walk continued to Girnari Banta, also known as the Advaita Brahma Ashram. This site is famed as the spiritual seat and final resting place of Totapuri Baba. Heritage enthusiast Rajeswar Mohanty spoke on the miraculous history of the 18th-century monk Digambara Paramahamsa Dev Maharaj, who practiced austerities on this sandy, verdant mound.
At Shankarpur, the group examined the Shankareswar Mahadev temple. Young PHW member Durgamadhab Mohanty explained the temple’s Somavamsi-era architectural roots. As the presiding deity for the local Yadav community, the west-facing shrine is the center of the Kshirasagara Mela held on Vaishakha Purnima.
The final destination was the temple of Baba Lokanath. Participants discussed the complex history of the site, which some government records date to a 19th-century renovation, though mythological accounts credit its founding to Lord Rama. Recognized as the second Pandava Bhima of Srikshetra, Baba Lokanath is the subject of a unique healing tradition where devotees offer metal replicas of afflicted body parts in hopes of a cure. Priyankar Maharana and Jyotsna Mohapatra provided insights into the rituals and festivals that define the temple’s significance.
The event concluded with a celebration of International Women’s Day, during which female participants were honored with gifts. Prominent attendees included Debasis Mishra, Ritu Pattanaik, and several others who contributed to the session’s success.