Bhubaneswar, July 5 -- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared the 6th century Swapneswar Mahadev temple in Odisha's Khurdha district a Centrally protected monument, official sources said
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.
In 1977-78, then Culture Minister Vishwabhushan 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 ...