Heritage Revival
Documenting, protecting, and reviving historical sanctuaries associated with the Jagannatha culture of Odisha.
Kankanashikhari: A Heritage Landscape Revived
Kankanashikhari, a tranquil island located within the expansive waters of Chilika Lake, stands at the absolute center of Dr. Susant Kumar Sahoo's heritage journey. Historically, during the 18th century when the Sri Mandira in Puri faced external threats and attacks, the sacred deities of Lord Jagannatha were secretly transported across waters and protected in this remote island sanctuary to safeguard them from desecration.
Over centuries of isolation, the historical sanctuary fell into deep obscurity and decay. Dr. Sahoo initiated a multi-year project combining archival investigation, physical site excavation, pathway clearing, stone reconstruction, and the revival of annual festivals like the Jala Ratha Yatra.
The Documented Evolution
The Transformation: Before • Revival • Present
Documentary photographic records showing the sanctuary from initial ruins to its revitalized state.
Historical Sanctuary in Obscurity
Old jetty ruins, overgrown pathways, and collapsed stone shrines documented during early research.
Old island jetty & approach
Historical shrine ruins
Overgrown sanctuary pathway
Sanctuary forest terrain
Physical Clearing & Restoration Works
Community volunteers and artisans clearing brush, laying stone foundations, and building protective enclosures.
Ground clearing & site access
Stone masonry & step construction
Site leveling & preservation
Pathway protection perimeter
Restored Sanctuary & Living Pilgrimage
The established Smaraki monument, renovated temple gateway, and the sacred site of the annual Jala Ratha Yatra.
Kankanashikhari Smaraki Memorial
The island sanctuary on the waters of Chilika
The Sacred Nandighosha Ratha Wheel (*Chaka*)
Granted to Nairi by the Sri Jagannatha Temple Managing Committee (Puri) pursuant to the 2016 resolution, preserved at the temple complex.
Harihareshwar Temple: Reviving a Forgotten Refuge
The revival of the Harihareshwar Temple at Nairi represents another vital chapter in Dr. Susant Kumar Sahoo's research into the Jagannatha heritage of the Chilika region. Situated along the historic transit corridor, Nairi played a key role during the transit and concealment of the deities.
A major breakthrough in establishing this historical link came in **2016**, when Dr. Sahoo documented an official record from the **Sri Jagannatha Temple Managing Committee** in Puri, chaired by the Gajapati Maharaja.
Sri Jagannatha Temple Managing Committee Record
Proceedings dated 13.11.2016 and order letter dated 14.01.2016 from the Sri Jagannatha Temple Managing Committee formally granted a sacred Nandighosha Ratha wheel (*chaka*) to Nairi, specifically addressed to Dr. Susant Kumar Sahoo.
Harihareshwar Compound Works
Temple compound development
Masonry & perimeter boundary
Mapping the Living Heritage of Chilika
Click on the highlighted nodes on the map below to discover how historical refuges, research centers, and 31 rural temples connect across the region.
Select a Location
Click any circular node on the map above to view the historical connection and documented activities associated with each location.