Jayadev Pitha is located at Kenduli, originally known as Kenduvilwa, in the Prachi Valley, and is 35 km distance from Bhubaneswar on the bank of the river Kushabhadra. Kenduli was the birthplace of the great Sanskrit poet, musician, and dance composer Jayadeva. His immortal work is Geeta Govinda, which has become the main prop of Odissi dance. On the third day of the bright fortnight in the month of Baisakh, Jayadeva’s birth anniversary is celebrated every year. Jayadev Pitha is a famous tourist place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The Lakshmi-Nrusimha temple and the image of Nrusimha carrying Lakshmi on his lap are found on the southern side of the village. A small museum containing old images and other archaeological finds unearthed from the nearby area has been maintained by the state archaeology department. It is said Jayadev has attained “Siddhi” and composed a “Geeta Govinda” where he worshipped Madhava at Niali, which is situated at a distance of 25 km from Kenduvilwa village.
Useful Information
- Jayadeva was a Sanskrit Vaishnava poet, most renowned for composing the Gita Govinda, a lyrical epic celebrating the divine love of Krishna and Radha—a cornerstone of the Bhakti movement.
- A beautifully landscaped Heritage Garden replicates the Kadamba Vana from Gita Govinda—complete with ponds like the Padmavati pond, featuring a sculpted Krishna dancing on Kaliya.
- On Akshaya Tritiya, which aligns with Jayadeva’s birthday, cultural programs are held, celebrating his life and this site.
- The Gita Govinda is central to Odissi music and dance; its ashtapadis are ritually sung in the Puri Jagannath Temple each evening and are foundational to Odissi performances.
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As of May 2025, Odisha’s Chief Minister inaugurated a ₹ 7 crore renovation project to transform Jayadev Pitha into a spiritual and cultural hub. Plans include adding flower gardens, lotus ponds, craft shops, food courts, a Dasavatara plaza, and enhanced landscaping for a more immersive visitor experience.
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