Nestled amid the tranquil hills near Chilika Lake in Odisha lies a sacred site known to very few outside the region — Kankanashikhari Temple. While it appears to be a modest hilltop shrine today, its role in Odisha’s religious history is far more significant.
This is the untold story of how Kankanashikhari became a secret sanctuary for Lord Jagannath during one of the darkest chapters in temple history.
The Mughal Threat to Puri Temple
In the early 18th century, Odisha faced the wrath of the Mughal empire. In 1731, Taqi Khan, the Mughal Subedar of Odisha, invaded Puri with the intent to loot and desecrate the Shree Jagannath Temple, a sacred site central to the identity of Odia people.
Fearing destruction, the temple servitors (sevayats) and Gajapati King’s loyalists secretly planned an operation to shift the holy idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra to a safer location — far from Puri, hidden among the forests and waters near Chilika Lake.
Journey into Exile – The Arrival at Kankanashikhari
One of the first refuge points was a sacred hillock near Nairi village, later known as Kankanashikhari.
Why this spot?
It was surrounded by water and forest, difficult for invaders to reach
It was already considered spiritually charged by local tribal communities
There was access to freshwater nearby (essential for rituals), through a stream now known as Jamuna Nirjhara
Here, amidst the hills and dense greens, the deities were placed in secrecy. A makeshift sanctum was established and rituals continued as per tradition — even in exile.
To feed the Lord and maintain traditional offerings, spine gourd (kankada) — a local vegetable — was offered daily. This sacred practice eventually gave the site its name: Kankana (gourd) + Shikhari (peak) = Kankanashikhari.
A Temple That Protected the Divine Flame
For several weeks, Kankanashikhari remained the abode of the deities — guarded by loyal sevayats, tribal warriors, and faithful villagers.
No royal ceremonies, no large crowds
Just faith, fear, and the determination to protect dharma
Every puja, bhog, and aarti was continued as if the Lord was still in Puri
This was not just a hiding place — it became Jagannath’s temporary Srikhetra, a powerful act of resilience against tyranny.
The Legacy Lives On – Rath Yatra on Boats
To honor this chapter in history, the people of the region began a unique tradition:
Every year, during Rath Yatra, the three wooden deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are placed on a chariot built over joined boats and floated around Kankanashikhari Hill on the waters of Chilika.
This is one of the only boat-based Rath Yatras in India
Devotees cross from Nairi Ghat in free boats
Prayers, drums, and chants fill the air as Jagannath’s exile is remembered with devotion and pride
Modern Rediscovery & Revival
For years, Kankanashikhari remained in the shadows. But in 2007, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) recognized its historical importance. Steps were taken to:
Install a temple podium and symbolic Nandighosha chariot wheel
Improve access roads and pilgrim facilities
Provide solar lighting, seating areas, and safe drinking water
Establish a local trust to manage rituals and heritage tourism
Thanks to these efforts, Kankanashikhari is slowly reclaiming its place as a forgotten page of Jagannath history.
🙏 Conclusion: A Story of Devotion in Darkness
The tale of Kankanashikhari is not just about a hill or a hidden temple — it is about the strength of faith. It is about how a community, guided by courage and belief, sheltered the divine flame when it was under threat.
When you climb the steps of Kankanashikhari today, you don’t just visit a temple —
you walk through history, devotion, and a legacy that once saved the Lord of the Universe.
📍 Visit Kankanashikhari – The Silent Hill That Spoke for Dharma