Odisha: Center urges to preserve the 1400-year-old temple, Ratnachira Valley in Puri

BHubaneswar: UNI Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Cabinet colleagues and Cultural Minister G Kishan Reddy to direct the Indian Archaeological Survey (ASI) to do all possible steps to preserve the 6-7 -7 recently excavated with documentation and Other Heritage Monument Conservation in the Ratnachira Valley from the Puri District.
Indian National Trust for Cultural Arts and Heritage (Intach) recently found an ancient temple from the 6th century in the village of Bireapurusotturampur in Pipli Tehsil from Puri District while conducting a survey of Ratnachira valley and its monument.
Intach members claimed that this temple was made from the Post-Gupta Khandolite stone block.
This temple is locally respected as Swapeswar Mahadev and is dedicated to God Shiva.
Now the temple is damaged because of the growth of thick vegetation on the temple.
“It is estimated that aged 1300-1400 years, this temple is one example of the initial confledge architecture preserved in the region.
However, I feel sad to know that the temple structure is in a precarious condition and requires preservation steps immediately,” read the letter.
He said the Ratnachira Valley was a gold mine from an ancient monument, which was mostly not the documented to date.
Maintaining the importance of historical, spiritual and socio-culture monuments in the Ratnachira Valley in mind, Pradhan requested Reddy’s personal intervention to carry out all possible steps for the preservation of these ancient temples and documentation and other Heritage Monument conservation at Ratnachira Valley.
After Intach found this ancient temple, Minister of Tourism and Culture Odisha Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi announced that the government would fund the temple recovery.
He has discussed with villagers and local administrative officials about this issue.