Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Kanaka Shikhari: Hidden Chapter in Lord Jagannath's History
Kanaka Shikhari is a special place in Odisha, India, where the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were kept safe during times of danger.
This happened many times between the 13th and 18th centuries, especially in 1731 when a powerful leader named Taqi Khan attacked the main temple in Puri.
The priests secretly moved the deities to Kanaka Shikhari, a small island near Chilika Lake.
They stayed there for over four months while the priests took care of them.
The local people helped by bringing fresh water and offering a special food called kankada as prasad.
This place is not as famous as the main temple, but it is very important in the history of Odisha and shows how people protected their faith during difficult times.
Kanaka Shikhari is a sacred refuge where Lord Jagannath and other deities were protected during invasions of the Puri Temple.
The deities were relocated to Kanaka Shikhari multiple times between the 13th and 18th centuries, notably in 1731 during an attack by Mughal Subedar Taqi Khan.
The deities were hidden on the island for over four months in 1731, turning it into a temporary holy abode.
Local people harvested kankada (spiny gourd) to offer as prasad to the deities, inspiring the name 'Kankana Shikhari'.
The priests had to fetch fresh drinking water from the nearby Jamuna Nirjhara spring as Chilika's waters were brackish.
- Who
- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, temple servitors, Mughal Subedar Taqi Khan
- What
- Relocation of deities to Kanaka Shikhari for protection during invasions
- When
- Between the 13th and 18th centuries, notably in 1731
- Where
- Kanaka Shikhari, near Nairi village, Chilika Lake, Odisha, India
- Why
- To protect the deities from falling into the hands of invaders and to continue daily rituals
- Location
- Near Nairi village, Chilika Lake, Odisha, India
- Deities Protected
- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra
- Period of Protection
- 13th to 18th centuries
- Notable Attack
- 1731 attack by Mughal Subedar Taqi Khan
- Duration of Hiding
- Over four months in 1731
- Prasad Offered
- Kankada (spiny gourd)
- Water Source
- Jamuna Nirjhara spring