Gad Madhupur, Dec 02:
Madhupurgad, located in the Dharmashala block of Odisha’s Jajpur district, is a historic fort deeply rooted in the legacy of ancient kings. For more than five centuries, the Madhupurgad palace has stood as a symbol of cultural heritage and royal grandeur. Once the royal capital, it served as the administrative center from where rulers governed their kingdom.
Nestled at the foothills of a scenic mountain range, the fort complex is home to the revered Jagannath Temple, drawing devotees and travelers throughout the year. The eastern part of the fort houses several significant temples, including:
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- Pancheshwari Temple
- Sunamukhi Temple
- Nilakameshwar Temple
- Shiva Temple
- Ashtashambhu Temple
- Hanuman Temple
- Mangala Temple
- Tarini Temple
- Munibaba’s Ashram
The Jagannath Temple inside the palace is built in the architectural style of the iconic Shree Jagannath Temple of Puri. All rituals and festivals, including the grand Rath Yatra, are observed with traditional sanctity. The surrounding village, set against picturesque hills, enhances the charm of this heritage site, making it a peaceful destination for tourists.
Adding to its historic value are the ancient royal ponds—Koilishwar Pushkarini, Rangasagar, Bhavang Pushkarini, and Aga Pokhari, each contributing to the fort’s serene environment.
Madhupurgad lies close to the Chandikhol–Dubura stretch of National Highway 53, just a few kilometers from Barada Chowk. A railway station named New Madhupurgad is situated on the southeastern side, improving accessibility. The fort is also surrounded by legends and stories that continue to draw visitors. During British rule, its prominence was such that it appeared in films, and to this day, many Odia movie and album shoots take place here.
The palace, positioned at the base of the hills, stands as a magnificent example of traditional architecture. Built between 1808 and 1847 during the reign of King Sudarshan Chandra Dhir Narendra Singh, the structure is crafted from massive stone blocks. The Jagannath Temple remains the focal point, and the annual Rath Yatra has been celebrated here for centuries. Historically, the king and queen would perform ceremonial duties before the chariot festival commenced.
Legend traces the origins of Madhupurgad back to 1526 AD, during the time of Mughal Emperor Babur. It is said that Shikhawan Singh, a Rajput from Jethpur in Rajasthan, arrived in Odisha and assisted the King of Puri in battles against neighboring territories. Impressed by his bravery, the Puri king granted him control over parts of Odisha, where he later established Madhupurgad and built the royal palace. Over the years, the palace came to be known as the King Palace, Rajbati, or Madhupur Estate.
Inside the palace, visitors can still find remnants of royal life, such as elephant-mounted telephones, ornate cups, and plates used by the kings. The royal line continues today: since 2007, Krishna Prakash Dhir Narendra Singh has been the custodian of the estate, with his daughter, Apanda Dhir Singh, carrying forward the family legacy.