Gadamadhupur Walks revives forgotten glory of fort, temple

Jajpur, March 17 : In a remarkable initiative to reconnect with Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, Gadamadhupur witnessed an inspiring heritage walk on Sunday, drawing 60 passionate heritage enthusiasts from across the region.

The event, named “Gadamadhupur Walks,” was mentored by queen Aparna Singh, who led participants through the historic corridors of Gadamadhupur Fort and the ancient Jagannath and Radhakrusjna temples, reviving stories of a forgotten past.

Nestled in Jenapur Tahasil of Dharmasala Block in Jajpur district, Gadamadhupur stands as a unique confluence of royal grandeur and spiritual significance. The magnificent Gadamadhupur Fort, founded in 1847 by Raja Sudarshan Dhir Narendra, once epitomized power and cultural brilliance. Constructed in three distinct phases during the colonial era, the fort remained a royal residence until India’s independence. In 1953, the estate was transferred to the Government of India, marking the end of its regal administration. Since 2007, the fort’s care has been under the dedicated stewardship of Aparna Dhir Singh Bhardwaj, daughter of the late King Krushna Prasad Dhir, who has tirelessly worked to preserve its legacy despite challenges.

During the walk, participants explored the majestic Lion Gate, admired the exquisite 19th-Century architecture, and delved into the fort’s storied past. The journey also led them to the Jagannath temple of Gadamadhupur, a site of immense spiritual significance, now unfortunately facing neglect due to a lack of government and private funding.

A poignant moment of the event was the recollection of queen Aparna Singh’s groundbreaking role in Odisha’s rath yatra tradition. Following the passing of her father, she made history as the first queen in Odisha to perform the ‘Chhera Pahanra’—the ceremonial sweeping of the chariot, a ritual traditionally reserved for kings. This act not only symbolized her deep reverence for tradition but also underscored the evolving role of women in preserving sacred customs.

Despite Gadamadhupur’s scenic charm and past recognition by the Odia film industry, its invaluable heritage faces the threat of decay. The fort and temple, once vibrant, now stand in desperate need of conservation efforts. While queen Aparna Singh continues to make every effort to safeguard this architectural marvel, substantial funding is required to ensure its full restoration.

“This walk is an effort to reconnect with our roots and bring attention to the deteriorating yet magnificent heritage structures of Gadamadhupur,” said Suresh Prasad Mishra, Convenor of Dhenkanal Heritage Walks. Participants echoed his sentiment, expressing hope that such initiatives would inspire greater awareness and support for the restoration of Gadamadhupur’s historical treasures.

The walk also saw participation from esteemed members of the heritage walk fraternity of Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri, including Dipak Samantari, Srikanta Singh, and Biswaranjan Dehury. Adding to the visual documentation of the event, three ace photographers—Kishor Bit (Cuttack), Hrudananda (Bhubaneswar), and Subrata Bal (Rourkela)—captured the essence of the walk. Notably, around 40 students from Dhenkanal Autonomous College alone joined the heritage trail, reinforcing the importance of engaging younger generations in heritage conservation.

With such initiatives, the echoes of Gadamadhupur’s past find a voice once more, urging us to safeguard these invaluable relics for future generations.