Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently paid tribute to legendary poet Jayadev at his birthplace, Kendubilwa, during the celebration of Jayadev Jayanti—an occasion that also coincided with Akshaya Tritiya. He called Jayadev a timeless icon of Odia pride and spiritual heritage, and announced an ambitious plan to turn Jayadev Peeth into a world-class center for literature, culture, and spirituality.
Who Was Jayadev and Why Is He So Important to Odisha?
Jayadev was a 12th-century poet and saint, best known for writing the Gita Govinda, a Sanskrit literary masterpiece that beautifully narrates the divine love story of Radha and Krishna. His work is not just a cultural treasure for Odisha, but also for all of India. Majhi described him as one of India’s greatest poets, placing him alongside legends like Kalidasa and Bhartruhari.
Jayadev’s Gita Govinda is still performed daily as a ritual at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, underlining his lasting spiritual impact.
Major Projects Announced to Revive Jayadev’s Legacy
At the event, CM Majhi laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects at Jayadev Peeth with the vision of reviving the natural and cultural environment from Jayadev’s time.
The government launched a ₹7 crore project that includes:
- Ten lotus ponds
- Various flower gardens
- A creeper garden
- Beautification of the historic Padma Pond
- A grand entrance gate
- Dashavatara Plaza (dedicated to the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu)
- A craft shop and a food court
All these are aimed at reviving the aesthetic beauty of the area and making it a spiritual and tourist destination.
CM Majhi assured full government funding and declared that Jayadev Peeth will soon become a global cultural heritage site. He also directed the Culture, Tourism, and Information Departments to work together on a comprehensive project report.
Kendubilwa: A Seat of Ancient Vaishnavite Culture
The region of Kendubilwa has deep historical roots. Archaeological discoveries from the 8th to 13th centuries suggest that it was once a thriving center of Vaishnava (Krishna-centered) worship. Statues of Lord Madhava (a form of Krishna) and a nearby temple in Niali are believed to have connections with Jayadev himself.
Local legends even say that Lord Jagannath once visited the Peeth, making it a place of both historical and spiritual importance.
Gita Govinda’s Lasting Legacy: National and Global Fame
Jayadev’s Gita Govinda is a poetic blend of devotion, love, and musical rhythm, revolving around the divine romance of Radha and Krishna. Its lyrical beauty and spiritual depth have earned it international recognition.
- It has been translated into French, German, Japanese, Korean, and English, attracting scholars and artists from across the globe.
- In Odisha, it deeply influenced classical Odia literature. Early translators, including Dharanidhar Das, and later works by Brundaban Das, Dinakrushna Das, and Shyamasundar Bhanja, were directly inspired by it.
- Beyond Gita Govinda, Jayadev’s Dashavatara Stotra is also globally respected.
CM Majhi praised Jayadev’s scholarly brilliance, noting that he was also well-versed in Vedic scriptures and astrology.
Government’s Vision: Cultural Pride and Model Village
Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi was asked to take the lead in transforming Kendubilwa into a model village. The CM said this initiative is part of a broader mission to celebrate and honor Odisha’s cultural icons.
Calling it a “matter of great joy and pride,” Majhi said visiting Jayadev’s birthplace on Akshaya Tritiya was personally significant to him.
Who Attended the Event?
Several key figures joined the CM at the grand celebration:
- Pravati Parida – Deputy CM & Minister of Tourism and Women & Child Development
- Prithviraj Harichandan – Minister of Law and Works
- Aparajita Sarangi – MP of Bhubaneswar
- Babu Singh – MLA of Ekamra-Bhubaneswar
- Sanjay Kumar Singh – Principal Secretary, Information & Public Relations
- Balwant Singh – Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department
- Sanjeev Kumar Mishra – Principal Secretary, Odia Language, Literature & Culture
- Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya – Director, who delivered the vote of thanks
