Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/IUm7pE9hcoc
Location: "RP38+C8C, Haripur, Odisha 757103"
https://audiala.com/en/india/baripada/haripur-gada
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haripur_Gada
Haripur
Gada, also known as Haripurgarh, is a heritage site located in Baripada, India,
renowned for its rich history and architectural marvels. Established as the capital
of the Bhanja dynasty in 1400 CE by Maharaja Harihar Bhanja, Haripur Gada
offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The site is strategically located
on the banks of the Budhabalanga River, providing natural defense against
invaders and making it a significant stronghold throughout its history (Odisha Review). The architectural brilliance of Haripur Gada is
epitomized by the Rasika Raya Temple, a rare brick temple dedicated to Rasika
Raya, the tutelary deity of Raja Baidyanath Bhanja. "Rasika Raya
Brick Temple" of Haripur Gada has such stunning looks, that it can
mesmerize any heritage lover. Haripur Gada, the ruined fort capital of Bhanja
dynasty of Mayurbhanj, is located at about 22kms away from Baripada city.
When
the Mughals came to Odisha, it was also only Mayurbhanj that could save itself
from the Mughal invasion, under the powerful Bhanja King Baidyanath Bhanja. The
flourishing kingdom finds a mention in the "Rasika Mangala" written
in about 1620 AD, by Gopijanavallabha, a disciple of Rasika Raya. Raja
Baidyanath Bhanja built a splendid temple in admiration of his tutelary God
Rasika Raya, inside the fort, as a mark of respect towards his Guru. The
temple is a rare example of a brick temple, of that era. In Odisha, one can
hardly find a brick temple having such intricate carvings, thus making it a
must-visit destination for heritage and culture enthusiasts.
Structurally,
the Rasika Raya temple stands as one of the few temples in Odisha built in
the Bengal temple architectural style.
Cultural History and significance
Haripur
Gada has significant historical and cultural importance. It is mentioned in
Vaishnava literature and associated with Sri Chaitanya, who passed through on
his way to Puri (Wikipedia). The city witnessed events like the Mughal invasion led
by Daud Khan, Sultan of Bengal, who sought refuge there. Maharaja Baidyanath
Bhanja later acknowledged Mughal power and ruled peacefully until 1600 CE (Sahasa).
Haripur Gada’s decline began due to repeated invasions and internal strife. The
city suffered greatly under the iconoclast Kalapahada, leading to the royal
family fleeing. Despite these challenges, the Paiks of Mayurbhanj managed to
repel invaders due to the strategic location.
The excavations
at Haripur Gada conducted in the early 1900s revealed that Maharaja Baidyanath
built the famous Jagannath Temple at Baripada. The eastern side of the Haripur
Gada site measures 1091 feet while the western side is 1702 feet and northern
side measures 652 feet and the southern is 686 feet.
On the south-east corner of this site stands the beautiful temple of
Rasika Raya covered by trees. The ruins of Ranihanspur lies close to the temple
and formed the south-west portion of the palace. It consisted of chambers with
adjoining bathrooms. The eastern side of Ranihanspur has the darbar and
a chamber that has finely sculpted stone columns and arches.
The excavations
at the fort site also unearthed extraordinary sculpted stones, fragments of
ornamental plaster work on the floor and walls which is not less than three
centuries old. The remarkable feature of this plaster is that a certain substance
used for binding rendered it a hardness that could be easily mistaken for
modern cement!
The Radha Mohan Temple which stands behind the old court is a plain
rectangular building made of bricks and lime plaster. The sanctuary of the
temple is unusually separated from the outer wall and is believed to have been
frequented by the male members of the royal family. The paintings on the walls
of the natmandira are of Hindu deities but have unfortunately
been defaced. There are artistic creations of Lord Vamana, Lord Matya, Lord
Jagannath and others in the niches. Raja Viravikramaditya Bhanja is the builder
of this temple.
A temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath to the south-west of
Rasika Raya Temple just outside the fort site has been found. Locals say that
the original temple built by Maharaja Harihar Bhanja was shifted to Pratappur
village. The outer walls are decorated with paintings in vibrant colours.
A stone image of Mahishasura Mardini known
locally by the name of Devi Gadachandi was found in a bamboo grove at Badapada.
It was formerly enshrined on the south side of Haripur Gada. An image of Kota
Vasini, presiding fort goddess was found standing next to Devi Gadachandi which
is older than the latter. The image is disfigured but bears a striking
resemblance to Goddess Janguli Tara.
Hariharpur, once
the capital of the illustrious Bhanja dynasty finds mention in the writings of
poets and disciples of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who passed through this place on
his way to Puri. Haripur Gada is a testimony to the grandeur, artistic mastery
and architectural ingenuity
of the Bhanja rulers.
Timings:
Haripur
Gada is open to visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
How to Reach:
By
Road: Haripur Gada is accessible by road from Baripada (22 KMs), which is
well-connected by trains and buses. Self-vehicle is the best way to access the
place.
By
Air: The nearest major airport is in Bhubaneswar (250 KMs)
By Train: The nearest major Railway station is Baripada (22 KMs)
Nearby Attractions
·
Baripada: Known for its cultural festivals and
temples.
·
Simlipal National Park: A nearby wildlife sanctuary
offering safaris.
·
Sitakund
·
Baldiha Dam