13th century monument marks union of Shakti, Vaishnav cults
Much to the relief of the people, a 13th century temple on the Meghanada Prachira of the Jagannath Temple is now safe. Known as the Durga Madhava Mandira, the shrine was attacked by invaders several times in the past. Even a few years ago, the temple administration had also instructed to demolish the temple, citing its inaccessibility.
The historical temple was built by Gajapati Maharaja Purusottam Deb about 700 years back. It marks for a unique confluence of the cult of ‘Shakti ‘ Maa Durga with the cult of Vaishnavism ‘ Sri Jagannath ‘ as Madhava . Both are worshiped together in the shrine, which is never found elsewhere in India. History says after Maharaja Purusottama Deb was defeated by king of Kanchi in the first war, he came to lord Jagannath seeking His blessings before proceeding again to conquer Kanchi.
The Maharaja came out from the temple after offering prayers through its South Gate, walked a few yards and lifted his head to have a look at the Neela Chakra on the top of the temple. Then to his utmost wonder, he saw Goddess Durga and lord Jagannath were standing on the top of the Meghanada Prachira and blessing him. He could not believe eyes and saw Them again and again. The king bent down there on the street and prayed lord Jagannath for His merciful blessings. Rest of the story is history and is known to all. When Gajapati Purusottam Deb returned to Khurda from Kanchi, he ordered to build a small temple in the same place on the top of the wall where he saw both Durga and Madhava (Jagannath), installed both deities and arranged for its Seva Puja. The images of famous Jara Savara and Gajapati Purussottama Deb have also been depicted on the base of it. Devotees can see both Goddess Durga and lord Jagannath from the road but cannot go up to see them from near.
The Temple Administration under advice of some flatterers had issued an instruction to demolish the temple with the plea that since devotees could not go inside and see deities and offer prayer, it was of no use to spend money for its maintenance and therefore it should be demolished . However the decision could not be implemented due to strong protest of the Sevayats as well as the locals. The temple still stands on the Meghanada Prachira reminding us of our glorious past. Notably, an important ritual, Sri Durga Madhava Upashana (Puja ), is held in the Jagannath Temple during Solapuja of Devi Bimala.