The Dhenkanal Heritage Walks (DHW) team marked its 28th heritage trail with a visit to the majestic Attali Jagannath Temple in Athagarh, Cuttack district, on August 17.
Towering at 90 feet, the temple is a rare architectural gem dedicated solely to Lord Jagannath, showcasing the distinctive Kalingan “Rekha Deula” style.
Before the temple’s construction, the deity was worshipped in a humble thatched hut, locally called “Attali,” which inspired the temple’s name. Established in 1899 by Athgarh’s ruler Vishwanath Bebarta Pattnaik, the temple’s ornate “Ratna Singhasan” and intricately carved idol continue to captivate devotees and heritage enthusiasts alike.
The event featured a vibrant discussion session with keynote speaker Himanshu Shekhar Parida, a noted poet and literary critic. Manas Panda elaborated on the spiritual essence of Jagannath culture in Athagarh, while culture researcher Ajay Kumar Das traced the historical rise of the Athagarh princely state and the temple’s enduring legacy.
Senior author Bibhuti Bhushan Mishra and historian Suresh Pradhan offered compelling insights into the temple’s cultural and political significance. Pran Krishna Das commended DHW’s efforts in spotlighting Athagarh’s rich heritage.
The walk drew participation from professors, students of Dhenkanal Autonomous College’s History Department, and conveners of Odisha Walks, Cuttack Heritage Walks, and Jagatsinghpur Heritage Walks. DHW convenor Suresh Prasad Mishra led the initiative, which began with a traditional welcome of flowers and “angabastra” by local intellectuals and temple servitors.
