Bhubaneswar, April 7: The 14th edition of the Jagatsinghpur Heritage Walks (JHW) witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 25 heritage lovers from across Odisha, who explored historically significant sites on the outskirts of Jagatsinghpur on Sunday.
The heritage trail aimed to promote awareness about the district’s rich historical legacy and archaeological wealth, with a focus on preserving ancient monuments, sculptures, and cultural traditions. The walk highlighted the coexistence of Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu influences in the region.
The first stop was Oushuni Pitha at Banamalipur village, where participants observed a rare twelve-armed Chamunda idol beneath an ancient banyan tree, reflecting the deep-rooted Shakti tradition in Odisha. The group then visited the Bhagabati Temple at Panasapada, where concerns were raised over the theft of a centuries-old Durga idol in 2015 and the neglect of Somavamshi-era sculptures, including idols of Kartikeya and Parvati.
The final stop was the historic Khandeshwar Mahadev Temple at Nasik village, known for its unique blend of religious traditions and rare antiquities. The event was coordinated by JHW convenor Srikanta Singh, with senior members and local residents actively participating.
