A group of 30 heritage enthusiasts embarked on an insightful exploration of Odisha’s rich architectural and spiritual heritage, visiting the Trilochaneswar Temple at Kundeswar and the Ajaikapada Bhairava Temple at Sathalapura as part of the second Jagatsinghpur Heritage Walks (JHW) yesterday.
Trilochaneswar Temple:
A testament to Odisha’s architectural grandeur, believed to have been built even before the iconic Lingaraj Temple, the Trilochaneswar Temple stands as a historical and spiritual landmark in Kundeswar. The ancient settlement, once a conglomeration of 12 puras (villages), formed a Nagara (town) known as Kundinagar (Kundinagra). Lord Trilochaneswar Deva is revered as the presiding deity of this historic region, while Maa Harachandi is worshipped as the Nagar Devi (protector goddess).
Dating back to the 8th Century, the temple was constructed by the Keshari dynasty King Biswanbara in the Rekha Deula architectural style. The Jagamohana (assembly hall) was later added between the 10th and 11th centuries, following the Pidha Deula style of Kalingan architecture.
The temple complex houses three smaller shrines in its eastern corner, a Rosaghara (temple kitchen), and a small museum featuring 8th-century idols, as confirmed by inscriptions on the sculptures. Though the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) undertook renovations in 1972, the visitors were disappointed to find no signboards or markers guiding people to this historically significant site.
Under the guidance of Chief Priest Subash Padhi, the heritage enthusiasts explored the temple premises before proceeding to Maa Harachandi Temple. Based on iconographic evidence, the deity appears closely associated with the Chamunda form of the Goddess. The group was warmly welcomed by temple priests and villagers, who graciously offered water and Prasad inside the temple premises.
Rukuna Ghat & Sacred Alaka:
The next stop was Rukuna Ghat, located on the banks of the Alaka River, a tributary of the Mahanadi. The river is deeply rooted in Purana-based lore, particularly in the legends of Lord Krishna and Devi Rukmini. However, the visitors expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of this once-holy water body, lamenting its present state.
Ancient Cooling Tech:
The group then walked to the Siddheswar Temple, where they were welcomed by temple priests. They learned about the temple’s origins and were particularly intrigued by the ancient cooling techniques used for maintaining the ‘mahadeep’ (sacred oil lamp).
At the nearby Saptamatruka Temple, the enthusiasts were informed about the 2019 theft of two precious idols from the premises during Mahasangam celebrations near Rukmini Ghat. Unfortunately, there has been no progress in recovering the stolen artifacts.
Ajaikapada Bhairava Temple:
The final destination was the Ajaikapada Bhairava Temple, dedicated to Ekapada Bhairava, located in Sathalapura village.
Archaeological findings confirm that the temple was originally constructed in the early 10th Century by the Somavamsi Keshari Kings of Odisha. Over the centuries, it suffered destruction due to floods and invasions by non-Hindu rulers. The current Pidha Deula structure was rebuilt in the 20th century, preserving the original ‘garbhagriha’ (sanctum sanctorum), which houses a Bhairava idol and a Shiva linga.
The Ajaikapada Bhairava idol is depicted with one foot and four hands, two of which are broken, while the upper two hold disc-like structures. Notably, Ajaikapada Bhairava is the ruling deity of the star Pūrva Bhādrapadā, indicating that the temple was established by an individual well-versed in Tantra and astrology.
Located 6 km from Alanahat, Sathalapada, in Jagatsinghpur, this temple is one of only two Ekapada Bhairava temples in Odisha, the other being in Jajpur district. It is officially listed as a monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Prominent attendees and organizers of this heritage walk were graced by notable figures from Odisha’s heritage community, including Suresh Prasad Mishra – convenor, Dhenkanal Heritage Walks
Ajay Singh – representative, Cuttack Heritage Walks, Biswaranjan Dehury – convenor, Puri Heritage Walks and Tarinisen Pattanaik, founder of Aitihya Curated Walks.
The walk was successfully organized and led by a dynamic young team comprising Srikanta Singh (convenor, JHW), Trilochan, Prabhudutta, Niladri, Sambit, and Asish Padhi.
This initiative reflects the growing enthusiasm for Odisha’s cultural heritage and the need for better conservation efforts to preserve these ancient treasures for future generations.
