Swapneswar Mahadev temple declared protected monument by ASI
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Bhubaneswar: The historic Swapneswar Mahadev Temple located on Bankad Fort premises in Banpur has been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Known for its intricate Utkalian temple architecture, the structure stands testimony to the glorious legacy of early medieval Odisha. The temple, believed to have been built during the 6th to 8th century AD under Shailodbhava dynasty, is situated in the tribal-inhabited Niladriprasad village under Banpur panchayat samiti in Khurda district. "This declaration is not just about protecting a temple, it is about safeguarding Odia identity, heritage, and the spiritual consciousness rooted in our land," said law minister Prithviraj Harichandan in his X post.
Harichandan recalled the efforts of his father, Biswabhusan Harichandan, who as the state culture minister in 1977-78 first entrusted the responsibility of protecting the site to the state archaeology department. However, the site remained neglected for decades.
The temple's preservation received fresh impetus after the ASI took charge during the tenure of the Modi govt. The process was fast-tracked following formation of BJP govt in Odisha in 2024.
The law minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union culture minister Gajendra Singh Sekhawat, and former culture minister G. Kishan Reddy for their support.
Bankad Fort, once the capital of Shailodbhavas, has long remained under-explored in Odisha's mainstream heritage discourse. With the ASI's official recognition, locals hope the site will now receive better protection, infrastructure, and tourism development. "This is a moment of joy for the people of Banpur and Odisha. We have waited long for this recognition," Harichandan said.
Apart from Swapneswar Mahadev Temple of Odisha, the ASI has also included the rock shelter of Hazaribag in Jharkhand and Moidams of Sivsagar in Assam in the protected list. ASI has delisted 17 national monuments, sources said.
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