Odisha is famous for its magnificent heritage in the form of temples, monasteries, and historical sites scattered across the length and breadth of the State. While Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark trio is considered as the golden tourist circuit in the State with millions of tourists flocking each year to visit the famous Jagannath Temple, Sun Temple, and the nearby attractions, there’s a lot more to check out on the way.
Approximately 60 km from Bhubaneswar in the Kakatpur area near Konark, there’s an interesting heritage trail of temples, monasteries, and monuments that come under the Prachi Valley. Some of the famous historic sites and temples in this valley are — Kuruma Buddhist Site, Jayadev Peeth of Kenduli Village, Kakatpur Maa Mangala Temple, Hirapur Chausathi Yogini Temple, and Daksha Prajapati Temple at Banapur.
In recent times, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered some fascinating relics and pre-historic sanctuaries that were built by various kings in different time periods. Some of the temples, monasteries, and monuments discovered here are shrines made in brick and stones, mutts, stepped-wells, tirthas, educational centers, ghats, forts, and ports etc. Interestingly, there are more than 150 big and small ancient sites in the valley, some of which are under the ASI and around 15 monuments are under the state archaeology department.
The valley dates back to a historical region that existed between the 7th & 16th century AD and flourished on the banks of the mystical Prachi River. Traces of the Prachi River can still be found in some parts of the valley, but it’s popular as the ‘Saraswati of the East’ because of its gradual disappearance. Prachi Valley was once the hub of the Kalinga Empire, and it flourished under different kingdoms. Dynasties linked with this region include the Kharvela’s Chedi dynasty, Shailodbhavas, Bhaumakaras, Somavamsis, Eastern Gangas, Gajapatis, Mughals, and Marathas. The historical findings and excavations in this region suggest that the Prachi Valley civilization would have existed earlier than that of the Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro civilizations.
Although, there is no clear demarcated land that specifies the total area of Prachi Valley in modern times, one can count some distinct parts in Districts of Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, and Jagatsingpur under this ancient expanse. In ancient times, Prachi Valley was credited to be a melting pot of various religious faiths and cults that thrived hand-in-hand. Some of the prominent religions like Jainism, Buddhism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Vaishnavism co-existed and evolved in the Prachi Valley during the Kalinga era.
A popular part of the Prachi Valley is Kakatapur, which is located at a distance of 20 km from Konark and has the famous temples of Goddess Mangala and Ranadurga. At the Maa Mangala Temple in Kakatpura, every year millions of devotees visit during the Jhamu Jatra festival and walk on fire to please Goddess Mangala, who is prayed as the mother of Puri’s Lord Jagannath. If you are in the mood for a long road trip, you can head for an excursion around the area and check out some temple remains or unnamed temples that can be spotted around signature stepped ponds.
To explore more temples of Prachi Valley, you can drive towards Chilika lake via NH16 towards Banapur and reach the Dakshya Prajapati Temple, which is approximately 130 km from Konark and 100 km from Bhubaneswar. Famous as the Dakshesvara Shiva Temple, this is a 13th century AD temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famous for its signature Kalinga architecture and design. This temple constructed in khondalite stone has a prominent statue of Lord Shiva along with sculptures of Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya, Goddess Parvati, Gaja Lakshmi, Chamunda, Hanuman, Agni, Indra, Yama, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, Isana, and Nriti. The temple also has a very rare sculpture of Kamdev with his two consorts Rati and Priti. It is a fine example of artistic
Plan ahead: The Jhamu Jatra is a famous occasion celebrated in the month of Chaitra (April-May) at the Maa Mangala Temple, and witnesses millions of devotees flocking at the temple to offer prayers. Any form of photography and shooting is prohibited inside the temple premises so keep the camera and mobile phones away. And, at the Dakshya Prajapati Temple, a huge festive celebration happens on the Maha Shivaratri, usually in the month of March.
Travel tips: The biggest challenge of exploring the unknown temples and sites in the Prachi Valley is the lack of signboards and directions. Even if you are following the GPS, there are many confusing routes that look abandoned. Don’t hesitate to ask the local people for directions. There aren’t many eating joints or toilets along the way, so carry your own food and water if you are planning a long day at the historical excursion.