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While researching the medieval history of Odisha, I came across a rather surprising story of how a Rajput Jagirdar of d Mughals hd plundered d Gundicha temple n burnt the Rathas of the deities during Rath Yatra!
The Madala Panji s apparently d original source. Havent checked yet
The Madala Panji s apparently d original source. Havent checked yet
So, this happened when Jahangir was the Emperor and Odisha was a separate subah under Hashim Khan. There was a Rajput Jagirdar called Keshodas who was loyal to Hashim Khan and wanted to earn greater favors. So, he decided to help the Mughals successfully plunder Puri.
He had earlier donated lavishly to the temple and Rajputs were generally known for their patronage. So, when he sent a note indicating a visit, d Sevayats did nt expect anything to go wrong. When he reached Puri, the deities were at the Gundicha temple because of the Rath Yatra.
As the Ratna Bhandara ws closed, he along with d help of Rajput soldiers in disguise, plundered d gold and silver of the Ratna Singhasana.
But by that time, the news of the plunder reached the ruler of Khurda, Purushottam Rath Dev. He marched towards Puri with an army of Paikas.
But by that time, the news of the plunder reached the ruler of Khurda, Purushottam Rath Dev. He marched towards Puri with an army of Paikas.
The Paika warriors got up on the Rathas to defend the deities and pulled them closer to the walls of the Gundicha temple. There was a fierce battle and the Rajputs were almost defeated. But then Keshodas did something unimaginable.
He guided the soldiers to put bamboos and cloth drawn from near the temple on fire and the soldiers threw those flaming bamboo poles towards the Rathas (chariots). All the three chariots caught fire and many of the Paika soldiers guarding the deities, lost their lives.
The door of the temple remained closed for one month after this. There was so much damage that no food was cooked in the temple for 8 months. The deities were only served dry food.
Purushottam Dev had to make peace with Keshodas by offering his sister in marriage!!
Purushottam Dev had to make peace with Keshodas by offering his sister in marriage!!
Keshodas Maru of course gained massive favor with the Mughal empire after this act and was soon promoted to the rank of Mansubdar.
End of the story.
But, not the end of the attacks on the temple, sadly.
Purushottam Dev faced the most external invasions during his reign.
End of the story.
But, not the end of the attacks on the temple, sadly.
Purushottam Dev faced the most external invasions during his reign.
