Jayadev Museum, Kenduli
About the Museum
The Jayadev Museum, popularly known as Jayadev Pitha, is located at Kenduli (Kenduvilwa or Kenduli Sasan) in Khordha district, about 35 km from Bhubaneswar along the scenic Prachi River. It commemorates the great 12th-century poet Jayadev, the author of the Gita Govinda, one of India’s finest devotional works blending poetry, music, and spirituality.
The museum, managed by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Government of Odisha, showcases Jayadev’s literary legacy along with archaeological discoveries from the surrounding Prachi Valley.
Inside the Museum
1. Sri Krishna & Jayadev Hall
This section features sculptural and pictorial depictions of Radha and Krishna, reflecting the spiritual depth of Jayadev’s poetry. Exhibits include artistic recreations of the Gita Govinda themes expressed in sculpture and painting.
2. Sculpture & Antiquities Hall
The hall displays stone sculptures, terracotta pieces, and architectural fragments unearthed from Kenduli and nearby sites, reflecting the medieval art styles of Odisha.
3. Gita Govinda Manuscripts Section
Illustrated palm-leaf manuscripts of the Gita Govinda are displayed, featuring exquisite images of Radha and Krishna. Informative panels describe how Jayadev’s verses influenced Odissi dance and devotional music.
4. Stone Inscriptions & Relics
The museum preserves several stone inscriptions and early medieval relics from the Prachi region, providing insight into Odisha’s temple culture and Jayadev’s time.
Another section presents domestic and ritual objects such as lamps, vessels, and utensils once used by local inhabitants. These items illustrate the daily life and material culture of the medieval Prachi Valley.
Surroundings and Cultural Complex
Nearby Heritage Monuments
Within 500 meters of the museum are three State Protected Monuments — the Chandi Temple, Narasimha Temple, and Trimali Matha — reflecting the religious significance of Kenduli.
Plan Your Visit
- 📍 Location: Kenduli (Kenduvilwa), Khordha District, Odisha — 35 km from Bhubaneswar
- 🕗 Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- 🎟️ Entry Fee: Free Entry
- 🏛️ Managed By: Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Govt. of Odisha
- 🏞️ Nearby Attractions: Chandi Temple, Narasimha Temple, Trimali Matha, Prachi River
- 🌤️ Best Time: October – February