Baripada is a town in the Mayurbhanj district in the state of Odisha. A rath yatra takes place in Baripada which is considered to be the largest and oldest after Puri. Due to this rath yatra it is also called the second Puri. The city of Baripada is located on the east bank of the river Budhabalanga. The city organizes a world-famous rath yatra which attracts only women to Maa Subhadra’s chariot. Here in this rath yatra, the crowd is seen in large only. Baripada is also known for its Bangripori “tusser” fabric.

The city was earlier known as the capital of Mayurbhanj state. 1779 It was first recorded as Burpudda in its famous atlas by Major James Rennell of the East India Company. It is believed to have been derived from the city and the Bauri people living there. 

Visiting place in Baripada 

Mayurbhanj Palace

Mayurbhanj Palace was known as a princely state in the British Raj. This palace was the royal palace of the Maharajas of Mayurbhanj. It was the former capital of Mayurbhanj state. The construction of this palace was started in 1804 by the order of Maharani Sumitra Devi Bhanj Dev. The palace is built in a classical Western-style brick-built double-story structure with Doric-Corinthian columns and a blend of Greek and Victorian architecture. The palace is addressed by the locals from Rajbadi.

Jagannath Temple

Shri Jagannath Temple is dedicated to the Lord of the Universe. This temple is also known as the second Shrikshetra of Odisha. A rath yatra is organized by this temple every year. Rathyatra from this temple is given more priority to female devotees. It is allowed to pull Subhadra Rath here. Every year a large number of female devotees come here from the neighboring areas. The temple is believed to be 700 years old. This temple is believed to have been built by King Harihara Bhanja.

Jwala Mukhi temple

The Jwalamukhi temple is dedicated to the “Goddess of Light” or Goddess Jwalamukhi. This temple is considered to be one of the 51 sacred Shakti Peeths of Hinduism. There is a burning blue flame from a room in this temple. This flame is worshiped as a sign of God. This temple is considered to be one of the holiest temples in Hinduism. The temple has a gold dome given as a gift by the Mughal emperor Akbar.

Baripada museum

The Baripada Museum was established by the Mayurbhanj ruler Maharaj Shriramchandra Bhanjadev in 1903. The museum exhibits stone sculptures, historical documents, terracotta art pieces, and other aesthetic items. The museum houses many unusual antiques associated with the culture, customs, and culture of Mayurbhanj.