Archaeological Society of India have declared a 06th. Century temple in Odisha, as Centrally protected monument.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared the 06^th. century Swapneswar Mahadev temple in Odisha’s Khurda district a Centrally protected monument.

The ancient temple, located in Punjiama village under the Niladri Prasad panchayat of Banpur block in Khurda district, was built during the 6th–7th century CE under the rule of the Shailodbhava dynasty of the Kalinga kingdom.

The original Bankādagada’s temple is currently known as Swapneswar Temple & is converted into a living temple post partial restoration by State Archaeological Society. From the features, it can be assigned to the 06 – 07^th. centuries Shailodbhava.

The temple is with a rare Astayatana architecture, 07 sub-shrines around the main temple, 03 on both sides & 01 on the rear. Shiba Linga is worshipped as the presiding deity in the main temple without any ceiling at present.

There’s a huge stone slab lying at the entrance outside the temple with inscription in Brahmi script. One more inscription was noticed below the Nandi kept in front of the doorjamb. There is a temporary shed with several broken artefact kept.

The priest narrated the mystery of Atha Bakhara (8 rooms) dating back several centuries.

In 1977-78, then Culture Minister Vishwa Bhushan Harichandan initiated efforts to preserve the temple, which is rich in historical and archaeological significance. The responsibility for its conservation was handed over to the State Archaeology Department. However, over the years, the temple fell into disrepair due to neglect.

Following the formation of the “double engine” government in Odisha in 2024, the state government under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi along with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, renewed efforts to preserve and conserve the temple. As a result of their initiative, the ASI has now officially declared the Swapneswar Mahadev temple a Centrally protected monument.

Odisha Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and former Union Culture Minister Kishan Reddy, for their roles in securing the temple’s protected status.

Team Maverick