Paika akhada is said to have been practiced in ancient Kalinga, where it was used to keep the warrior class physically and mentally fit.
It is well documented that Sidheshwar Parida - a small time farmer and part-time Oriya Paika - was an ardent follower of the Goddess and it was after her blessings that Sidheshwar Parida became Sarala Das, the author of the Oriya Mahabharata.