Gadmadhupur, Dec, 05: Madhupurgad, located in the Dharmashala block of Jaypur district, is a historic fort associated with a line of kings. The royal palace of Madhupurgad, celebrating over five centuries of glory, still bears witness to a rich heritage. In earlier times, it was known as the king’s capital or fort, from where the rulers administered their domain.
The fort, located at the foothills of a mountain range, attracts many visitors with the royal palace and the beautifully maintained Sri Jagannath Temple. On the four sides of the fort, there are several notable temples, including:
Pancheshwari Temple
Sunamukhi Temple
Nilakantheshwar Temple
Shiva Temple
Ashtashambhu Temple
Hanuman Temple
Mangala Temple
Tarini Temple
Munibaba Ashram
The Jagannath Temple within the palace is modeled on the structure of the famous Puri Jagannath Temple. Rituals and festivals are conducted following traditional customs, maintaining the spiritual essence of the temple. The surrounding village is rich in natural beauty and heritage, drawing tourists to witness the serene landscape and religious architecture.
Nearby, the king’s ponds and water bodies such as Koilishwar Pushkarini, Rangasagar, Bhabang Pushkarini, and Aga Pokhari enhance the charm of the fort.
Located about a kilometer from Bardha Chaka on National Highway 53 (Chandikhola-Dubura), Madhupurgad has a railway station named after it on the southeast coast. Folklore and historical legends attract tourists from time to time. During British rule, the king’s palace of Madhupurgad was also used as a filming location for several movies.
The fort’s main attractions are the royal palace and the Jagannath Temple, set amidst the natural beauty of the hills. The village was once a prominent seat of monarchy under the jurisdiction of present-day Cuttack district and several regions of Falpur. The Brahmani River, flowing nearby, was the main waterway of that era. Tourists come from across the state to admire the exquisite stonework and architecture of the palace. Many Odia and Hindi film producers have shot movies and albums here.
The palace has withstood centuries, though some parts have deteriorated over time. The royal palace, standing at the foothills of the mountain range, tells tales of Madhupurgad’s historical significance. It was constructed between 1808 and 1847 during the reign of King Sudarshan Chandra Dheer Narendra. The palace features magnificent stone structures and the Jagannath Temple, which has witnessed traditions such as the annual Rath Yatra for generations.
Legend has it that in 1526, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Babur, a Rajput named Shikhan Singh from the Jethpur region of Rajasthan came to Odisha. At that time, the King of Puri was engaged in a battle with neighboring states. Shikhan Singh assisted the Puri king in defeating the adversaries. Pleased with his bravery, the Puri king allowed Shikhan Singh to govern parts of Odisha. Eventually, Madhupurgad was chosen as the seat of administration, and the royal palace was built here. The palace is also referred to as the King’s Palace, Rajbati, or Madhupur Estate.
Visitors can see historical artifacts, including elephant-mounted telephones and royal cups used by the kings and queens. From 1808 to 1847, the palace was ruled by King Sudarshan Dheer Narendra Singh. Successive generations continued the lineage, and since 2007, his descendant Aparsha Dheer Singh has been carrying forward the royal legacy.