Jayadeva birthplace still remains neglected

Even as several programmes were held in the State to mark the birth anniversary of great poet Jayadeva, the condition of his birthplace continues to be neglected due to the Government’s lack of interest to maintain the cultural heritage.

The birthplace of Jayadeva, whose masterpiece ‘Gita Govinda’ is regarded as the holy poetic composition dedicated to Lord Jagannath, at Kenduli under Balianta block in Khordha district is yet to be developed in a befitting manner. The Jayadeva Peeth, situated in an area of 25 acres, appears lifeless due to lack of maintenance by the local administration.

There are 65 light and sound boxes installed at several locations in the area to attract tourists. However, nothing is functional. Miscreants are damaging the medicinal plants at premises of the Jayadeva Peeth. The statue found floating on the Padmavati pond is also in a poor condition. There is darkness ruling all around the area as the lights are defunct.

Notably, the epic poem ‘Gita Govinda’ had played a key role in the Bhakti movement of Hinduism in the medieval India.