Jagatsinghpur: The 11th edition of the Jagatsinghpur Heritage Walks (JHW) witnessed more than 30 heritage enthusiasts from all over Odisha exploring the history, architecture, and cultural significance of several lesser-known heritage sites located in Nugaon Block of Jagatsinghpur district. The walk not only highlighted Odisha’s rich temple building tradition but also brought attention to centuries-old shrines lying on the banks of Devi river in the shadow of the iconic Maa Sarala Temple.
The walk commenced early on Sunday last at “Kuttamchandi” Temple under the guidance of Srikanta Singh, convenor of JHW in Devidol village under Naugaon Block. Believed to have been built in the 16th or 17th Century after the Gajapati rule, the temple is built with a stone-made “Peedha” style Viman Jagamohan, and a rectangular flat-roofed Naat Mandapa, also in “Peedha” style.
About 15 km from Jagatsinghpur town towards Naugaon, Devidol village is located on the banks of the Devi river. “Shakti Peetha” of Maa Kuttamchandi is located in that village. The deity of the Mother Goddess is the eight handed “Mahishasuramardini Durga”, a very ancient idol, believed to be from the 8th Century as per the idol’s iconography.
The present temple of the goddess is made of a rock with a height of about 25 feet. Many ancient statues can be seen inside and outside the temple. A small statue of Mother Bimala can also be seen near the goddess’ statue.
Basant Kumar Padhi a retired teacher and “sevayat” of the deity explained the folklore and legends about the goddess to all the heritage enthusiasts. Unluckily the only stone scripture which could have given insights about the temple inscription lies under plaster and artificial coat.
The group also visited the near by Tumbeswar Mahadev Temple, Ishaneswar Temple, Nrushinga Temple which are on the banks of Devi River. At Ishaneswar Temple the group saw magnificent 12 Century Kartikeswar idol lying neglected in one corner.This reaffirms rivers have played major role in temple construction in Odisha.While we speak about Brahamani, Mahanadi, Baitarani river like Devi has its own temple trail wanting attention to be documented.
Through this edition, the JHW continues its mission to document and popularise the region’s hidden architectural treasures, fostering greater community pride and boosting heritage tourism beyond the Maa Sarala Temple. Organisers expressed hope that these unexplored gems will soon find their rightful place on Jagatsinghpur map as well as Odisha’s tourism map.
Prominent among those who attended today’s walk are Utkal Mohanty,Debi prasad Padhi,:Odisha Heritage Walks Biswaranjan Dehury and photographer Hrudananda Behera.Organisers were happy to see young army personnel who were on leave and from Jagatsinghpur joined this walk.