The famous  Kapileswara (Kapileswar) temple, located in Odisha’s capital Bhubaneswar and dedicated to Lord Shiva is all set to get the tag of ‘National Importance’  with the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) planning to bring it under its ambit.

The ASI plans for its protections come almost a month after Member of Parliament Aparajita Sarangi who represents Bhubaneswar constituency met Union Minister For Culture, Tourism And Development Of North Eastern Region (DoNER) GK Reddy seeking the temple’s inclusion in the ASI list.

A notification has been issued recently in this regard by the ASI under the Union Culture Ministry which has sought suggestions and objections from the public as per rules.

Maintained by Kapilesvara Temple Trust Board, the shrine is one of the largest temple complexes in Bhubaneswar city comprising over 30 separate monuments.

As per documents available from the ASI, the temple was rebuilt sometime during the 14th century AD during the rule of Kapilendra of the Suryavamsi dynasty. Architectural elements and fragments incorporated into the rebuilt structures suggest that the original temple complex could be earlier than the 11th century A.D.

The temple is situated within the precinct along with 33 other monuments. It is a satellite of the main temple in Bhubaneswar, the Lingaraj temple. The precinct is located on the northern embankment of Manikarnika tank over an area of 44.00 square metres.

According to the local legend this is the birthplace of sage Kapila, who is considered as the father of Sankhya Philosophy. He is also considered as the brain child of Brahma, an incarnation of Vishnu and lord Shiva himself. Hence it is a sacred place where the shrine is dedicated to Lord Kapilesvara Siva, as per the websites.

There are 80 centrally protected monuments and structures under ASI in Odisha and 21 among them, including Lingaraj Temple and Mukteshwara Temple, are in Bhubaneswar, said an official from the Union Culture Ministry.