AKHADAS OF PURI AND THE JAGANNATH CULT: EXPLORING RITUAL, DEVOTION, AND PHYSICAL DISCIPLINE

Abstract

The cultural landscape of Puri in Odisha presents a unique convergence of religion, physical culture, and community-based institutions. Among these, the Akhadas—traditional gymnasiums and socio-religious training spaces—occupy a significant yet often underexplored position in relation to the Jagannath cult. This article examines how Akhadas function not merely as centers of physical training but as integral spaces where ritual practice, devotional expression, and bodily discipline intersect. It argues that Akhadas in Puri represent a culturally embedded system in which physicality and spirituality are not separated but mutually reinforcing. By analyzing historical continuity, ritual practices, social organization, and symbolic meanings, the study highlights how Akhadas contribute to sustaining the broader Jagannath cultural universe.