Reference:
King Jajati Keshari was a powerful ruler of the
Somavanshi dynasty in Odisha, India during the 10th century. He is considered a
legendary figure in Odiya history. The name of King ‘Jajati Keshari’ has become
a part of the rich history of Odisha. A ruler of the Somavanshi dynasty, who
united eastern and western Odisha under his rule in the 10th century, there are
a number of buildings and roads named
after him in the state.
There have been two distinct kings with the same name:
Jajati Keshari I and Jajati Keshari II, who ruled around 50 years apart. King
Jajati Keshari built the city of Jajpur from where they ruled.
The Somavanshis were a medieval Indian dynasty that
reigned over Kalinga, present-day Odisha, from the 9th to the 12th century CE.
The two-century rule of the dynasty was a golden period in the history of
Odisha. It was for the first time that the different regions of Odisha -
Kalinga, Utkala, Kongoda and Kosala were united under a single authority. This
period also saw a reemergence of Hinduism in the region, with new temples being
built and art and culture being patronized.
Achievements: (Reference:
1) Built
the city of Jajpur, which was originally called Jajatipur or Yayatinagar:
King Jajati Kesari played a pivotal role in establishing the city of Yayatinagar, now known as Jajpur. Till the 10th century, Jajpur was known as ‘Guhadeva Pataka’ and served as the capital of the Bhaumakara kingdom. Following the conquest of the region, King Jajati Kesari I built a new city here called ‘Abhinava Yayatinagar’ or the ‘New City of Yayati’. The palaces and other grand buildings were constructed around the present day Biraja Mata Temple in Jajpur.
Yayatinagar served as his capital and
a center of administrative, cultural, and religious activities. The city's
strategic location on the banks of the Baitarani River facilitated trade and
commerce, further enhancing its prominence. Jajpur became a hub of
architectural marvels, reflecting the king's vision and patronage of the arts.
2) Established
Somavanshi rule over eastern and western Odisha
3) Built
many temples, including the Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar
4) Restored
the Jagannatha Temple after it was sacked by the Turks:
One of the most significant contributions of King Jajati
Kesari was his role in the rediscovery of the idols of Lord Jagannatha,
Balabhadra, and Subhadra. According to ‘Mandala Panji’ - the annals of the
Jagannatha temple at Puri, these sacred idols had been hidden by priests during
an invasion in a cave near Subarnapur, where they remained for 146 years.
During his reign, King Jajati Kesari came to know of the hidden idols from
Puri. He sent an expedition to Subarnapur and through his determination and
devotion, located the hidden idols. He found that the wooden idols had
deteriorated very badly, and ordered the creation of new ones. As per the
temple annals, Jajati Kesari also rebuilt the Jagannatha temple at Puri, under
the guidance of Shankaracharya. This act not only restored the divine presence
of Lord Jagannatha but also immortalized the name ‘Jajati Kesari’ in Hindu
tradition.
5) Patronized
the arts, literature, and temples:
Jajati Kesari's influence extended
beyond the realm of politics and administration. He became a subject of
fascination for poets and authors throughout history. His mention in the Sarala
Mahabharata, an Odia translation of the epic Mahabharata, elevated his stature
as a legendary figure. The celebrated poet Radhanath Ray immortalized Jajati
Kesari in his poem "Jajati Keshari," blending historical events with
imaginative storytelling. This poem, published in the late 19th century,
further solidified Jajati Kesari's place in the hearts and minds of the people
of Odisha. Under the rule of King Jajati Kesari, Odisha experienced a
remarkable cultural renaissance. He generously patronized artists, musicians,
and scholars, contributing to the growth of literature, art, and architecture.
The construction of temples and palaces adorned the region, serving as enduring
testaments to his reign. Copper plate grants discovered across Odisha provide
evidence of his equitable distribution of wealth and resources among his people.
Jajati Kesari's just rule and emphasis on cultural development left a lasting
impact on the collective memory of the region.
6) Performed
the Ashwamedha Yagna and Settled 1,000 Brahmins from Kannauj in the region:
Jajati Kesari's reign was marked by
the performance of ten Ashwamedha Yagnas (Horse Sacrifices) on the banks of the
Baitarani River. This happened at the present day Dashashwamedha Ghat. To
commemorate this Yagna, Jajati Kesari also built the Yagna Varaha Temple just
above the ghat. This elaborate ritual was a symbol of power, authority, and the
extension of the kingdom's influence. As part of these grand ceremonies, Jajati
Kesari settled thousands of Brahmins from Kannauj, fostering cultural exchange
and religious practices. Large number of Agraharams were built, they where
emerged as centers of learning. The Ashwamedha Yagnas demonstrated his
commitment to religious patronage, solidifying his reputation as a devout ruler.
Legacy:
The Jajpur district is named after him
Many buildings and roads in Odisha are named after him
He is an important part of Odiya identity
Historical debate:
Some historians believe that the story of Jajati
Keshari is actually a combination of two kings, Jajati Keshari I and Jajati
Keshari II, who ruled about 50 years apart