13th Puri Heritage WalkeExplores Ayurveda legacy and monasteries of Clarke Road

Bhubaneswar, Sept 15: The 13th edition of the Puri Heritage Walk (PHW) was held on Sunday afternoon with the participation of more than 40 heritage enthusiasts from across Odisha. Organized on the second Sunday of every month, this edition focused on the Ayurvedic heritage of Puri and the historic monasteries along Clarke Road.

The walk began with an engaging session on the role of ancient Ayurveda in healthcare, highlighting its life-restoring practices like Sanjīvanī. The visit to Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Odisha’s first Ayurveda college established in 1949, was the major highlight.

Participants observed traditional treatment methods, explored departments such as Dravyaguṇa, Rasashāstra, Shalya-Shalakya, and toured the herbal garden where many rare medicinal plants are preserved. Faculty members including Dr. Sonalika Jena, Dr. Rajib Kishore Jena, Dr. Padmalochan Nayak, and Dr. Swarnakanta Jena were felicitated during the event.

Later, participants explored Siddha Brahmachari Mutt, established in 1428, where they had darśan of Raseshwar Mahaprabhu and learned about its history. At Gandharva Mutt, heritage researchers discussed the contributions of Mahapurusha Achyutananda, the Panchasakha saints, and the heritage banyan tree “Gochhanda Vata.”

The walk concluded with darśan of Maa Jhadeshwari. Coordinated by Biswaranjan Dehury and Dr. Kumar Aurojyoti, the programme saw active involvement of students, heritage researchers, and cultural enthusiasts, making it a vibrant celebration of Puri’s living heritage.