Puri: 11th Puri Heritage Walk (PHW) captivated twenty heritage researchers from across Odisha, guiding them through the sacred tapestry of Puri’s enduring legacy.
The immersive journey commenced at the revered seat of Marichi Thakurani, nestled beside the ancient Marichikota Devi shrine, a significant Shakti Peetha within Srikhetra. The path unfolded, culminating near the tranquil Satyanarayan Temple and the historic Ramji Matha.
A cornerstone of the walk was the deep dive into the hallowed grounds of Rathakhala, where the magnificent chariots of the Trinity take shape. Senior chariot craftsmen, the custodians of generations-old techniques, graciously offered valuable insights. Through lively discussions and interviews, they illuminated the intricate processes and structural nuances of chariot construction, strictly adhering to age-old traditions. Participants gained an unparalleled understanding of vital components such as Konagujha, Patagujha, Natagoda, and Prabhapata, each imbued with specific meaning and function.
Rajendra Kumar Mahapatra, a revered Rupakara Sevaka of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, shared profound insights into the sacred sculptural work he performs. He elucidated the fascinating evolution of the chariot’s structure over time, emphasizing how sculptors, with unwavering devotion, meticulously craft each element in accordance with strict traditional rituals.
Further enhancing the experience, Balakrushna Mahapatra, the chief carpenter of Balabhadra’s chariot, meticulously detailed the sequential assembly of the three chariots. He explained how each part, from the axle and pole (danda) to the garagara, is carefully integrated, building towards the majestic final form. He noted that the chaudanahaka (14 vertical wooden beams) are next in line, soon to be followed by the construction of the tiniparasta potala (three-tiered canopy).
The heritage exploration continued with a visit to the temple of Goddess Charchika, the presiding deity of the Rathakhala area, underscoring the spiritual sanctity surrounding the chariot-making process. The team then meticulously analyzed the exquisite fine carvings within the Hanuman Temple located inside Bada Akheda Matha, appreciating the artistic mastery of bygone eras. The ancient sculptures carved along the boundary walls of the Dolavedi complex were also explored, offering further interpretations of their historical and cultural significance.
On the western side, outside the Pabachhasreni, the group embarked on a captivating endeavor to decipher an inscription etched on the back of a war-elephant sculpture, a testament to the region’s rich historical narrative. Subsequently, they observed the temporary workshop of the blacksmiths (lauhakara) established within the Dolavedi premises. Here, under the vigilant supervision of the Ojha Maharanas, iron nails, indispensable for chariot construction, were being forged with intense focus and dedication amidst the glowing embers – a vivid display of a vital, yet often overlooked, traditional craft.
Ojha Sevaka Dasarathi Maharana voiced a poignant concern, highlighting that despite the essential nature of their work, it often remains unnoticed compared to more visible services. The researchers were then enlightened about the diverse types and lengths of nails used in chariot construction, ranging from a mere 4 inches to an impressive 4.5 feet. The sheer scale of this ancient craft was further revealed by the staggering requirement of nearly five quintals of iron for the preparation of nails, bolts (bala), and pandari essential for the chariots.
The heritage walk concluded with participants seeking blessings from Lord Hanuman at both the Satyanarayan Temple and Ramji Matha, bringing a fitting spiritual close to an enriching experience.
Yesterday’s heritage walk was deftly led by Debi Prasanna Nanda. Convener Sanjay Baral spearheaded discussions on fostering interest in our rich heritage among the younger generation, while Dr. Kumar Aurojyoti offered a heartfelt vote of thanks. Prominent heritage enthusiasts who graced the walk included Siddhartha Mohapatra, Subrata Kumar Bal, Jyotsna Mohapatra, Suprabha Sahu, Prasanta Mishra, Priyankar Maharana, and Biswamohan, among others, all united by their passion for preserving Puri’s invaluable cultural legacy.