Bhubaneswar(Newshub desk)– The ancient Swapneswar Mahadev Temple, nestled in Punjiama village under Banapur block of Odisha’s Khurda district, has officially been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)—a milestone that marks a new chapter in Odisha’s cultural preservation.
Built during the reign of the Shailodbhava dynasty in the 6th century, the temple stands as a testament to early Odishan architecture and spiritual legacy.
Despite its antiquity, the site had suffered from prolonged neglect, receiving no formal protection status until now.
The development, officials said, was fast-tracked following the formation of the double-engine government in 2024, where both the Centre and State are ruled by the same party.
Odisha’s Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for catalysing the ASI’s move.
Harichandan also acknowledged the early efforts of former Culture Minister Biswabhusan Harichandan, who entrusted the state archaeology department with the temple’s care during his tenure in 1977–78.
However, the official ASI-protected status had long been delayed.
Calling the recognition a “matter of pride for Odia identity and heritage,” the minister thanked multiple stakeholders, including Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, former Culture Minister Kishan Reddy, and senior BJP leader Samir Mohanty for their roles in the temple’s elevation.
With ASI’s backing, the temple is now set to receive dedicated conservation and infrastructural support, ensuring its legacy is preserved for generations to come.
