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Age-old temples in need of renovation in Temple City

BHUBANESWAR: It seems that State capital is fast losing its status as temple city as the government is least committed to restore its glory.

One will stumble upon a number of uncared ancient monuments in the old city area.

The Laxamaneswar temples near the Mausimaa Square are one such example of neglect being shown by the State Government.

Built in the 6th century AD in ‘trirath’ style of architecture, it has three temples – Laxmaneswar, Bharateswar and Satrughneswar – and is regarded as the most ancient monument of the city.

Though the State Archaeology Department took over the site for conservation and restoration of dilapidated structures in 1970, it was soon embroiled in controversy over the restoration of Satrughneswar temple. It had allegedly tried to tamper with the original style of architecture, resulting in the abandonment of restoration work. Thirty-seven years later and despite expenditure of about Rs.4.33 lakh awarded by the Finance Commission for conservation, the site still wears a desolate look.

“While Rameswar temple has been drawing a steady number of daily visitors as it being taken care of by the Archaeological Survey of India, the other temples have been completely ignored. There is neither a sign board nor a lawn for them to relax,” rued Mr.Bighneswar Das, a local resident.

The gardener and the monument attendant appointed here are hardly seen on the premises, he added.

Despite the law prohibiting any construction activity to be undertaken within 100 meters of a protected monument, encroachment and illegal constructions are in full sway here.

“The issue needs to be addressed jointly by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, the Department of Culture and the revenue authorities,” pointed out an official in the State Archaeology.

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