Ruins of ancient temple unearthed in Odisha's Salepur

CUTTACK: Ruins of an ancient temple, believed to be of 8th or 9th Century, have been discovered at Lunahara village of Chandradeipur gram panchayat under Salepur block of Cuttack district. Locals found remains an ancient temple besides several idols of gods and goddess which were unearthed during an excavation work of an old pond in the village.

According to reports, as per the direction of Salepur BDO Siba Brata Ghose, the excavation and renovation work of the pond was on for the last 10 days. While an exquisite and unique idol of Lord Ganesh was recovered on Thursday, the villagers noticed ruins of a temple, few other idols depicting ancient art and sculptures on Friday.

The workers engaged in excavating works suspect existence of an ancient temple under mud as a pillar like structure emerged during the digging.

About five years ago, when desilting work of the pond was on, villagers recovered a 3 feet rare and exquisite Laxmi Nrushigha idol made of single black polished stone which was consecrated at the village and is being worshipped by them.

“The idols and remains of the temple belong to 8th or 9th Century,” said research scholar Akhya Dash of Salepur.

The administration should conduct a survey through experts of State Archeology Department and take necessary steps to preserve such antique items in the local museum, Dash suggested.

After the recent discoveries, the excavation work has been halted by local administration. The villagers, however, urged the State Government to take over such excavation work in the coming days to ensure safe recovery of such antique items.