Bhubaneswar, Aug 11: The 24th special edition of the Puri Heritage Walks (PHW) offered heritage enthusiasts an insightful journey through some of Puri’s historic monasteries and religious landmarks on Sunday, highlighting the city’s deep connections with the Jagannath tradition, literature and Vaishnavism.
The walk began at Bada Odia Matha in Baseli Sahi, a monastery closely associated with several important rituals and services of the Shree Jagannath Temple. The Matha is also linked to Atibadi Jagannath Das, the renowned author of Odia Bhagabata, who is believed to have composed 11 volumes of the scripture at the site.
Pandit Siddharth Acharya, Mahanta of Bada Odia Matha, explained the monastery’s various temple-related traditions. The Mahanta visits Srimandir in a traditional ‘Mehena’ palanquin during Niladri Bije and supervises rituals including the cleaning of the Ratna Singhasana and installation of the Trimundi Chandua.
Participants were also introduced to the preparation of Phuluri Oil, a traditional herbal oil used during the Anasara period. The Matha also provides Adhara Pana pots and Adhara Gamuchha and supplies sandalwood paste for the Sarvanga Chandan ritual.
The walkers admired paintings depicting Ravana Chhatra Bhanga, Krishna’s Rasaleela, Pandava Vanavasa, Nabagunjara and the Holy Trinity. The group later visited Hati Gurudev Matha, associated with the saint Hadibandhu Das, where participants learned about its Pahili Bhoga traditions and rituals.
The heritage walk subsequently covered Bali Matha, associated with the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition and Abhiram Thakur. On the occasion of Chakrabula Ekadashi, participants proceeded to Bhagabati Kota near Srimandir Parikrama Marg, offered prayers at Chakra Narayan and concluded the walk with Panti Bhoga Prasad.
The walk was led by co-convener Ashoka Manjari Nayak, with heritage enthusiasts from across Odisha participating. The event once again showcased Puri’s rich blend of architecture, paintings, rituals, literature and living Jagannath traditions.
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