Purunagarh

Purunagarh is a medieval fort in Jeypore set on elevated terrain with multiple temples, fortification walls, gates, and towers distributed across the site. The structures blend military defense features with religious functions, creating a complex that served both protective and spiritual purposes.

The fort was founded in the mid-17th century by Maharaja Vir Vikram Dev after the capital was relocated from Nandapur to Jeypore. British forces destroyed it in 1777 during their expansion across the region.

The Dakshina Kali Temple within the fort serves as a place of ancestral worship for the ruling kings and draws many visitors during religious festivals. The spatial arrangement and rituals centered around this sacred site show how deeply spirituality and royal authority were intertwined here.

The site sits on elevated terrain, so comfortable walking shoes and reasonable physical stamina are needed to explore the various parts of the fort. Paths are uneven in places and shade is limited, making an early morning or late afternoon visit more comfortable.

A moat that once surrounded the fort for defense was later transformed into a canal system still visible around the site today. This conversion shows how the original military infrastructure was adapted to serve new purposes over time.