“A Life-Sized Statue of Gajapati Kapilendra Dev in Cuttack is Our Demand” – Antaranga Kalinga
Cuttack, 22.6.24 (Saswat TV):
Renowned Odia social organization Antaranga Kalinga has launched a new initiative to awaken pride in Odia identity and heritage. While Lord Jagannath is the spiritual crown of the Odia nation, Gajapati Sri Kapilendra Dev is seen as a symbol of Odia pride. Over 580 years ago, he dedicated an entire state to the people under the name “Odisha.”
Gajapati Kapilendra Dev, ruling from Barabati in Cuttack, had established the mighty Kalinga empire that extended all the way to the banks of the Godavari River in the south. It is said that after his southern conquest, he returned to Cuttack with immense wealth — gold, silver, diamonds, and sapphires — gifted by kings and rulers of South India, all carried on the backs of 16 elephants. He then offered this wealth at the lotus feet of Lord Jagannath and declared himself not as king, but as a servant (Rauta) of the Lord.
Due to his contributions, the Suna Besha (golden attire) of the Chaturdha Murtis on the chariots and the offerings inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Shree Mandir continue even today. At the Shri Varaha Narasimha Temple located near the Andhra Pradesh border, more than 40 Odia inscriptions, including 9 attributed to Gajapati Kapilendra Dev, can still be found engraved on the temple walls.
To honor this symbol of our glorious history and pride, Antaranga Kalinga has launched an initiative to establish a life-sized statue of Gajapati Kapilendra Dev in the heroic land of Cuttack. As part of this effort, the organization has met with several dignitaries, including then Cuttack District Collector Shri Vineet Bhardwaj, Municipal Commissioner Shri Subash Singh, Member of Parliament Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, and Barabati-Cuttack MLA Smt. Sophia Firdous. Along with the petition, a photograph of the Gajapati’s statue at Kapileshwar Temple in Bhubaneswar was also presented to them.
To intensify the campaign, a state-wide signature drive was launched on Dola Purnima. Once the campaign concludes, the collected signatures will be sent to the President of India, the Prime Minister, and the Governor of Odisha to formally present the demand.
The organization has also announced plans to meet with the Chief Minister of Odisha to press this demand further. Additionally, Antaranga Kalinga aims to include the legacy of such heroic Odia figures in school textbooks, so future generations are more aware of their history and cultural identity.
