Title: REFLECTION OF MYTHOLOGY IN ODIA LITERATURE: A FEMINIST STUDY
Authors: Pratikshya Mohanty and Sonali Mishra, India
Abstract:

Odisha, a land of vibrant celebrations, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and diverse communities. Odia Mythology serves as a unique blend of caste-based, tribal, and religious traditions. Beyond Hinduism, Odisha is primarily united by the Jagannath Culture and the worship of goddesses of Shakti. This tradition views the four varnas—Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra—through a lens of divine integration rather than strict segregation. Influenced by Puranic traditions and local folklore, Odia mythology emphasizes Dharma (the cosmic law of duty) and the complex consequences of one’s actions. Furthermore, women in Odia mythology are portrayed in multifaceted roles, blending the divine and nurturing souls. This storied history dates back to the pre-Vedic period (around 500 BCE), long before Sanskrit influence, and was influenced by tribal reverence. However, overtime, the narrative focus shifted toward the domestic sphere. This evolution is most prominent in the transition from women fighting for their inherent rights to being primarily defined by Stree Dharma (the specific duties of a woman) and Pativrata (the ideal of the devoted wife). Through the iconic figures of Maa Laxmi and Mangala, we see a complex interplay: while they are revered as goddesses, their characters also serve as a blueprint for the societal expectations of womanhood—balancing immense inner strength with the constraints of moral and familial duty. This historical progression reached its zenith with the rise of Shaktism with independent protectors like Chandi and Bhadrakali, where moral and cultural values are transformed to fierce characters.

Keywords: Odia Mythology; Jagannath Culture; Women; Stree Dharma; Shaktism; Indian tradition.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59009/ijlllc.2026.0202

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