Rediscovering roots: Journey into the past of Jagatsinghpur through JHW

Jagatsinghpur, May 5: The fourth edition of Jagatsinghpur Heritage Walks (JHW) wasn’t merely a walk yesterday, it was a reclamation of the glorious past of the region through revisiting temples, mutts, idols, and stories long overshadowed.The JHW has once again reignited the pride in local history and culture. 

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The heritage initiative has also posed an urgent call to action: to restore, preserve, and cherish the priceless legacy etched into the soil and soul of Odisha. For, in every forgotten idol and fading wall lies a chapter of who we are—and who we can become when we choose to remember.

The fourth edition of JHW yesterday unfolded as a memorable expedition through time, culture, and devotion with participation of more than 50 enthusiasts from across the State.

Beginning at the sacred Parshuram Kshetra Tirtha Muth in the village of Taanra, Tirtol, the journey traversed several culturally significant sites, culminating in a spiritual and sensory experience that left every participant enriched.

From the moment heritage enthusiasts gathered at Parshuram Kshetra Tirtha Muth, the air buzzed with reverence and curiosity. Under the scholarly guidance of Maharaja Shri Divyakrishna Deb, a compelling discussion circle explored the muth's history and traditions. Convenor of JHW Shreekant Singh and advocate Sudhir Kant Khuntia illuminated the local legacy and shared stories about the ancient Parshuram idol and the Muth's in-house Archaeological Shelter House.

The Shelter House, a silent custodian of Odisha's glorious past, revealed rare treasures—Ashtabhuja Durga, Gopinath, Anantashayana Vishnu, Chamunda, and the fierce Andhakasura Vadh sculpture. However, this visit was tinged with melancholy. Many of the idols lay in neglect, highlighting the pressing need for conservation. A poignant reminder that heritage, if not cared for, is heritage lost.

The group then made its way to the Bhagabati Temple in Garam, where they witnessed the divine presence of Maa Bhagabati and a unique Padmapani Bodhisattva/Naga Devata idol—an exquisite blend of Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Temple priest Mayadhar Panda enriched the visitors with local legends and explanations, breathing life into stone and story alike.

The path to Chhata Muth brought another rare encounter—the ancient four-faced Brahma idol at Sri Rampur, a seldom-seen depiction that speaks volumes about the region's deep philosophical roots. Finally, the group reached Chhata Matha, where a traditional lunch awaited: served on banana leaves, the feast featured Jagatsinghpur's famed "Machha Ghanta", "Chingudi" delicacies, and a variety of local dishes. It was not just food—it was a celebration of taste, tradition, and community. Food is always considered to be a part of intangible heritage across Odisha.

Behind the scenes, the success of the event was ensured by the seamless coordination of Prabhanshu Samantaray, Hemant Nayak, and Basant Nayak, whose commitment to heritage preservation was evident in every step of the journey. Prominent among those who attended this walk are: convenor of Dhenkanal Heritage Walks Suresh Mishra, documentary film maker Bisheswar Das and villagers of Garam. Finally the convenor of Odisha Heritage Walks Biswaranjan Dehury requested all participants to honour, preserve and promote local culture and heritage and be the cultural ambassadors of their village and locality.