Puri Heritage Walk Explores Role Of Monasteries In Promotion Of Jagannath Culture

Puri: In order to revive the spiritual narratives associated with the mutt culture and its connection to the deities of Jagannath temple in Puri and the socio-cultural canvas of the town, fourth Puri Heritage Walk was organised on Sunday.

Nearly 50 heritage enthusiasts from various regions of Odisha took part in the walk based on the theme “Mahodadhi Monastic Trail: Exploring the Ancient Monasteries”.

The heritage walk started from the Kanchi Kamakoti Ashram and culminated at Sankarananda Mutt. According to historians and heritage experts, though the mutt was started in 6th to 7th century AD, its popularity touched its zenith in around 12th Century AD following a great spiritual renaissance.

While all mutts (monasteries) had an illustrious presence in the religious landscape of Puri for more than 1,300 years and are primarily linked to Vaishnavite philosophy, devotees from across India came to this holy land to spread “Sanatana Dharma”.

The Heritage Walk participants visited Kanchi Kamakoti Ashram, Sankaracharya Mutt, Kabir Chaura Ashram, Bidur Mutt, Bauli Mutt, Swarg Shidi, Ramanuj Kot and Shankarananda Mutt.

Eminent historian and researcher Dr Surendra Mishra explained the uniqueness of the mutt culture of the holy city. Senior member of PHW and researcher Devi Prasanna Nanda and heritage expert Sidharth Acharya also spoke about the heritage aspects of the mutts.