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Madan Kamdev temple in a shambles

KAMRUP (ASSAM), FEB 20 . The ancient Madan Kamdev temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, in Assam, holds special interest to archaeologists. The main temple, situated 40 kilometres from state's main city Guwahati, houses a sculpture of Shiva and his consort Uma which the locals call them "Madan-Kamdev.'' Archaeologists were excited when the thick foliage around the temple was cleared in 1977, revealing ruins of dozens of temples, made of brick and stone, believed to belong to the 11th or the 12th century, besides rare sculptures.

Later in 1986, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) formally took over the entire conservation work of the temple from the state government. Archaeologists say Madan-Kamdev temple has striking resemblance to the famous 10th-11th century Khajuraho temples in central Madhya Pradesh state.

HN Dutta, Director of ASI, Assam, said it is only a matter of time before further excavations at the site could reveal an important ancient town. ``We want to cover this temple with a roof so that it could be protected from rains and sunshine. We want to systematically arrange the sculptures now lying upon this site. There are certain schemes we shall be implementing them in the Madan Kamdev temple very soon,'' he said.

But of late, visitors say the centuries old temple is in crying need of conservation. "The structures here are scattered and we do not know if the government is taking steps to preserve and protest this. But if these structures remain in this manner, may be someday these will be damaged. I think the government should immediately take steps regarding this,'' said Debandra Nath Sharma.

``People come here from far off places. In this temple there are many ancient structures and I came to learn that there is almost a similar temple in central Madhya Pradesh also. But we cannot afford to go there. This temple has got beautiful structures and so the government should take care to preserve and renovate these structures, '' said Ratneshwar Deka.

In recent years a small museum has been built at the site so that the remains can be preserved for people to see.

ANI

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Madan Kamdev temple in a shambles

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