The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Orissa | Heritage structures get govt attention 13th century temples lie uncared for

(From top) The Gangeswara and Yamuneswara twin temples, a sculpture on one of the temple walls, the tank in the precinct and another sculpture. Telegraph pictures

Bhubaneswar, April 19: They could be smaller in size compared to other majestic ancient monuments in the city, but the Gangeswara and Yamuneswara twin temples hold immense social and historical significance.

But the aspects of history that the temples hold may fade just like the monuments, owing to the lack of maintenance and neglect of authorities. Situated on the Ganga-Yamuna road, the temples date back to the 13th century. The two temples are ascribed to have been built during the rule of the Ganga dynasty. Today, they lie amidst dense vegetation that not only mars the beauty of the monuments but also leads to cracks on their surfaces. Many portions of the temples lie broken and the astounding sculptural art that is inscribed on the walls are also falling prey to weathering.

“The Gangeswara temple is carved with secular images with amorous poses of male and female figures,” said historian Sadashiba Pradhan. One can get a clear picture of the lifestyle, costumes and culture of those times through the various images visible on the temple walls. Beautiful floral motifs as well as images of deities have also been carved on the temple. But currently the monument shows signs of distress.

While several sculptures on one of the walls of Gangeswara have been broken and removed, many parts bear cracks. An ancient idol of Ganesha is also lying detached in the precinct. Over the years, the higher level of the road has led to the water being accumulated in the temple’s precinct.

Another important feature of the twin temples is the Ganga Yamuna tank that lies within the same precinct. Historians believe that the tank was built before the temples. It is surrounded by an embankment with outlets for excess water. Local residents use it for religious rituals and bathing purposes.

“The tank is very sacred for us and we believe bathing in it keeps us free from skin diseases. But the water is getting contaminated due to seepage from new buildings that have come up right beside the tank,” said Babuli, a local resident.

Culture department authorities say there are plans to repair and maintain the ancient structures. “The structures will be repaired soon with help of experts on archaeology,” said culture department secretary Ashok Tripathy.