Gad Madhupur, Dec, 02:Madhupurgad, located in the Dharmashala block of Jajpur district, is a historic fort associated with ancient kings. The Madhupurgad palace, which has been renowned for over five centuries, remains a witness to rich heritage. During its prime, it was known as the royal capital or fort, from where the kings administered their kingdom.
Situated at the foothills of a mountain range, the fort houses the Jagannath Temple, which attracts many devotees and tourists. On the eastern side of the fort, among several temples, the notable ones include:
Pancheshwari Temple
Sunamukhi Temple
Nilakameshwar Temple
Shiva Temple
Ashtashambhu Temple
Hanuman Temple
Mangala Temple
Tarini Temple
Munibaba’s Ashram
The Jagannath Temple within the palace is constructed following the architectural style of the Jagannath Temple of Puri, and all rituals and festivals are observed according to traditional norms. The village surrounding the fort is naturally beautiful and heritage-rich, attracting tourists to visit the temple amid scenic hills.
Besides the temples, the fort’s surroundings include royal ponds such as Koilishwar Pushkarini, Rangasagar, Bhavang Pushkarini, and Aga Pokhari, which add to its charm.
Madhupurgad is located near Chandikhol–Dubura National Highway 53, about a few kilometers from the Barada Chowk. On the southeast side, a railway station named New Madhupurgad exists. The site is also known for legends that attract tourists. During British rule, the fort was notable enough to be referenced in films, and filmmakers have produced many Odia movies and albums here.
The palace of Madhupurgad, situated on the foothills, is a fine example of architectural craftsmanship. Constructed between 1808 and 1847 during the reign of King Sudarshan Chandra Dhir Narendra, the fort is built with massive stones and houses the Jagannath Temple, which remains a central feature. The Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) has been held here for centuries, during which the king and queen would perform ceremonial duties before the festival began.
According to legends, in 1526 AD, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Babur, a Rajput named Shikhawan Singh from Jethpur (Rajasthan) visited Odisha. He assisted the King of Puri in battles against neighboring kingdoms. Impressed by his valor, the Puri king allowed him to rule over parts of Odisha, and he eventually established control over the Madhupurgad region, where he constructed the royal palace. The palace is also referred to as the King Palace, Rajbati, or Madhupur Estate.
Inside the palace, one can see royal artifacts such as elephant-mounted telephones, royal cups, and plates. The reign of King Sudarshan Dhir Narendra Singh lasted from 1808 to 1847. The lineage continues, and since 2007, the throne has been held by his descendant Krishna Prakash Dhir Narendra Singh, with his daughter Apanda Dhir Singh currently carrying forward the royal legacy.
Leave a Reply