Amidst the looming threat of imminent collapse due to neglect and decay, the recently discovered 1300-1400-year-old historical Swapneswar Mahadev temple in Odisha's Puri district now stands poised for a remarkable restoration. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Union Culture Ministry has recently issued a draft notification inviting suggestions and objections to its plans to bring the monument dating back to the 6th-7th century CE and adorned with the unique Kalingan architectural style under its protection. Once the process is completed, the temple will be designated as a "monument of national importance".
Once the designation is finalised, the temple will receive the necessary resources and attention for its preservation, ensuring that the temple and its precinct are preserved for future generations.
Discovered three years ago by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in Birapurusottampur village in Puri, the temple had caught the attention of the then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who urged Union Minister of Culture G Kishan Reddy to take action for its preservation on an urgent basis. In response to the temple's discovery, Odisha's Tourism and Culture Minister Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi too had promised funds for its restoration.
It stands as a historical marvel showcasing the unique Kalingan architectural style. The temple was discovered by a four-member team led by Anil Dhir, Deepak Kumar Nayak, Subhashish Dash and Suman Swain of INTACH at Biropurusottampur village in Pipili tehsil of Puri district during the survey of Ratnachira Valley and its monuments. They were shocked to find the temple, which is crafted from unique square Khandolite stone blocks, embodying the architectural grandeur of the post-Gupta era, was covered in thick vegetation and was a site of negligence.
Talking about its historical value, Dhir said, as per reports, the stone blocks were placed one over the other in symmetry to make the temple wall and roof. "No evidence of iron clamps has been seen. The neatly chiseled blocks denote an era when Kalingan traditional temple architectural style was in its infancy. The temple is devoid of any external embellishments on both the inner and outer walls; even the parsadevata niches are empty," Dhir said.
The temple's intricate carvings and graceful proportions are a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of its creators. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple holds a special place in the hearts of locals and historians alike for its early Kalingan architectural style, added an ASI official.
The notification signed by ASI Director General YS Rawat states, "Whereas, the Central Government is of the opinion that the ancient monument, as specified in the site plan and schedule annexed hereto, is an ancient monument of national importance; now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 4 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (24 of 1958), the Central Government hereby gives notice of its intention to declare the said ancient monument to be of national importance."
Any objections or suggestions to the declaration of the temple as an ancient monument of national importance may be made within a period of two months from the date of issue of this notification by any interested person, says the notification which was issued on May 9.
The proposed national protection aims to mobilise comprehensive conservation efforts to ensure the preservation of this invaluable historical and spiritual monument for future generations, the official explained.
