"THE GREAT FREEDOM FIGHTER JAYI RAJGURU"

(SANJAY BHATT)

In the quaint village of Biraharekrushnapur, beneath the azure skies of Puri, Odisha, Jayakrushna Rajaguru Mohapatra, affectionately known as Jayi Rajaguru, unfolded a saga of defiance against the colonial shackles that gripped India. Born on 29th October 1739, he adorned the role of a princely-priest in the court of the Khurda kingdom, seamlessly blending spirituality with rebellion.

Jayi Rajaguru, a luminary in the tapestry of Odisha's struggle for independence, orchestrated a courageous revolt against the British East India Company. With the courage of a lion and the sagacity of a strategist, he forged alliances with the Marathas, envisioning a joint effort to liberate the province from British dominion.

However, fate took a turn when a Maratha messenger, bearing the weight of Rajaguru's clandestine plans, fell into the hands of the ever-watchful British. The cloak of secrecy torn asunder, Rajaguru faced the storm of consequences. Despite attempts to extricate him from the royal court, a relentless British force descended upon the fortress of Khurda, leading to his capture.

In the face of adversity, Jayi Rajaguru stood unwavering. His fearless spirit endured the trials of captivity, and he was subsequently sentenced to death. The echoes of his final moments resonated in Baghitota, Midnapore, where he faced the ultimate sacrifice for his unwavering commitment to the cause of Indian independence.

On 6th December 1806, at the age of 67, Jayi Rajaguru breathed his last, leaving behind a legacy etched in the annals of Odisha's fight against colonial oppression. His sacrifice became a beacon, inspiring generations to come, as his name became synonymous with valor, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a warrior priest who dared to defy the chains of foreign rule.