• PADMINI PADHAN

Abstract Balangir district of Western Odisha represents a distinctive cultural region where religion, community life, and historical continuity are deeply intertwined. Temples in Balangir are not merely religious structures but function as social, cultural, and symbolic centres that shape urban and rural life. This paper examines the temple traditions, religious practices, festivals, and folk arts of Balangir with special reference to its historical development under the Chauhan rulers of Patna State and subsequent colonial and post-colonial transitions. Through an analysis of major temples such as Gopalji (Jagannath) Temple, Pataneswari Temple, Samalei Temple, and others, the study highlights how sacred institutions fostered social cohesion, cultural continuity, and regional identity. The paper also explores the role of festivals, folk traditions, and cultural revival movements in sustaining Balangir’s living heritage. The study argues that Balangir exemplifies a temple-centric cultural landscape where tradition and change coexist, offering valuable insights into small-town cultural history in eastern India.

Balangir, Temple, Western Odisha, Religious Landscape, Folk Traditions, Cultural Identity

"Temple-Centric Culture and Religious Continuity in Balangir: A Historical Study of Sacred Space and Social Life", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 1, page no.e52-e54, January-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2601406.pdf

"Temple-Centric Culture and Religious Continuity in Balangir: A Historical Study of Sacred Space and Social Life", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 1, page no. ppe52-e54, January-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2601406.pdf