Jayadev Museum
The Jayadev Museum at Kendubilwa, Odisha, is dedicated to the life, works, and spiritual influence of Sri Jayadev, the 12th-century saint-poet renowned for composing the Gita Govinda — a seminal work in Sanskrit literature and devotional Bhakti poetry.
© Photo: Jayadev Museum Entrance
Jayadev Museum, more commonly referred to as Jayadev Pitha, is located in Kenduli (also called Kenduvilwa or Kenduli Sasan) village in the Khordha district of Odisha, approximately 35 km from Bhubaneswar (Ravi Talkies - Tankapani Road), situated on the banks of the river Prachi.
© Photo: Jayadev Museum, Kenduli
The museum was established to commemorate Jayadev’s birthplace and to promote cultural and historical awareness among visitors and scholars. It is managed by the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture, Government of Odisha, and supported by cultural preservation bodies and local administration.
© Photo: Sri Krishna & Jayadev Hall
The Jayadev Museum offers curated galleries and exhibits related to the life and times of Jayadev, manuscripts of the Gita Govinda, sculptural images, and archaeological materials collected from the surrounding region.
© Photo: Sculpture & Antiquities Hall
One of the main attractions at the Jayadev Museum is the section dedicated to the famous poem Gita Govinda, written by Sri Jayadev. The museum displays rare copies and replicas of this sacred text, including illustrated palm-leaf manuscripts that are beautiful to look at.
© Photo: Gita Govinda on Palm Leaf
These old manuscripts show detailed pictures of Radha and Krishna, just as described in the poem. There are also printed versions of Gita Govinda in different Indian languages. Information panels help visitors understand the meaning of the verses, how they are sung in Odissi music, and how they are performed in classical dance. This part of the museum helps people connect with Jayadev’s poetry and its deep love and devotion through both words and art.
© Photo: Stone Inscription
The Jayadev Museum houses a modest yet meaningful collection of artifacts that reflect the cultural, historical, and devotional legacy of the region.
© Photo: Artifacts displayed on wall
Among the most notable are the stone sculptures, terracotta figurines, and architectural fragments discovered in and around Kendubilwa and the Prachi Valley.
© Photo: Stone Image of Astika Jaratkaru
These include depictions of Vaishnavite deities, temple motifs, and early medieval art styles that are contemporaneous with the time of Jayadev.
© Photo: Image of Lord Vishnu
In addition to religious iconography, the museum also displays household artifacts, ritual objects, and inscribed fragments, providing a glimpse into the socio-religious life of the region during the 11th–13th centuries.
© Photo: Household artifacts displayed on wall
Adjacent to the museum lies a serene park, richly adorned with dense groves of Kendu, Bel, Asoka, Mango, and Siali trees, creating a peaceful and natural setting for visitors. The quiet paths and tall trees create a peaceful atmosphere that attracts many visitors.
© Photo: Entrance Pathway
© Photo: Creeper Hut & Peaceful Scenery.
The Jayadev Museum Auditorium and the open pavilion are prominent cultural venues, serving as modern hubs for gatherings, artistic performances, and government-hosted events.
© Photo: Auditorium, Jayadev Museum Campus
Within a radius of just 500 meters in this historic village, three other state-protected monuments can also be found — the Chandi Temple, the Narasimha Temple and the Trimali Matha.
© Photo: State Protected Chandi Temple
© Photo: State Protected Narasimha Temple
© Photo: State Protected Trimali Matha
These sacred sites, rich in cultural and religious significance, add to the heritage value of Kendubilwa and make it an important destination for those interested in Odisha’s devotional and architectural history.