Haripur Rasika Raya Brick Temple, Odisha

Address

Haripur Rasika Raya Brick Temple, Haripur, Odisha 757052

Diety

Guru Rasikananda

Introduction

Rasika Ray temple of Haripur Gada is the one and only majestic brick temple of the eastern India with such superior craftsmanship. Haripur gada, the ancient capital of mayurbhanji, now lies in ruins about 22km from baripada. It is now a heritage site under the ASI. The magnificent brick temple of Rasika raya stands amid the ruins of a massive for built in 1400. Haripur Gada, the ruined fort capital of Bhanja dynasty of Mayurbhanj, is located at about 22kms away from Baripada city.

Puranic Significance

Haripurgad was once the capital of Mayurbhanj princely state. The place was adorned with majestic temples and a palace built in the 14thcentury. At that time, then capital of the state Khiching had faced several attacks by outsiders. Upset, the then king had shifted his capital city to Haripur, 10 km to the south of Baripada, to thwart the attacks. This was stated in the Archaeological Survey of Mayurbhanj, written by archaeologist Narendranth Basu. Haripur was encircled by river Budhabalanga which was deterrence against foreign attacks. At that time, Harihar Bhanj was one of the powerful kings. In the 15thcentury, Baidyanath ascended the throne. Legend has it that one Rasikananda was the Guru of the Bhanj dynasty. The king had built a temple dedicated to his Guru Rasikananda. The temple was built with thin bricks and its architecture was unique. Besides, a Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Radhamohan Temple and a palace were built. Though they are in ruins, they stand testimony to a glorious past. A cave connected with an underground tunnel has been shrouded in mystery. Nevertheless, it is believed that during attacks, the channel used to help the palace inmates escape.