Temple City Bhubaneswar is dotted with temples in all corners that bear
sculptures and artworks of immense value thereby adding to the cultural
heritage of the city. But abandoned temples there are a few where worship no longer takes place and that look forever deserted to the incidental visitor, writes Himanshu Shekhar Guru
Bhubaneswar has a number of temples and hence the name Temple City. Most of the shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva. While Lingaraj temple in Old Town area can be regarded as the most visited one in the city other temples also have their share of visitors. Moreover, all these temples are rich in architectural detail. Some of them are in really good condition and regular worship takes place. But the condition of a few others has deteriorated over the years. The Archeological Survey of India has adopted some of these temples where puja doesn’t take place anymore and which are usually deserted with creepers emerging from the walls and crevices. Sunday POST hangs around in the vicinity of a few of these abandoned temples that look forever deserted.
Ekamreshwara temple
Ekamreshwara temple is located in front of Lingaraj temple in between the temple administration office and Lingaraj police station. Like many other temples of the state Ekamreswara is rich in elegant architecture. One can mark even the Garbha gruha. Although there is no deity the thin carving on the deity’s sitting place looks enchanting.
The temple is now under revival. It is approximately 12 ft from the ground. Soil removal work has been finished and steps have been constructed from the ground up to the temple. However, construction and repair work is going on. On the premises two other small temple-like structures are there where in one a Lingam can be seen.
When asked about the temple Mohan Kumar Jena, the parking-in-charge at the place, said, “I am basically from Balakati area and working here for the last two years. I can’t confirm the name of this temple though some people call it Ekamreshwara temple. There is no signboard showing any name. At present there is only a small boundary wall on the police station side. I sit here for long hours to collect parking fees. But I don’t see anybody going in to worship in the temple.”
Bakreswara Mahadev temple
Bakreswara Mahadev temple is located in Jameshwara Patna Sahi near Lingaraj temple. Coming from the Lingaraj temple side approximately 25 meters ahead of Badheibanka chhak the temple lies. No worship takes place and the temple is locked. It seems there is no idol inside. Sunday POST found children playing cricket on the premises. Bakreswara temple is under the aegis of the Archeological department. It is a beautiful shrine with the Garbha gruha and Jagamohan and a spacious premise. One can witness fine artwork in the temple. Talking about the temple Rajkishore Mohapatra, supervisor of Lingaraj temple, said, “Now it is a non-living temple as some repair work is required. It is now preserved by the Archeological Survey.”
Markandeya temple enclave
The Markandeya temple enclave is adjacent to Kharakhia Baidyanath, the roofless temple near Lingaraj temple in Old Town. The enclave has four temples – Markandeya temple, Nilakantha temple, Someswara temple and Deva Sabha temple. No worship takes place at these temples. One can witness wild vegetation in and around the enclave and the temples are all closed in. While Nilakantha and Someswara are pasted with lime, Markandeya bears artworks. These temples seem abandoned and hard to approach due to the lush bushes covering them.
When asked about the temples Babulal Makadam, priest of Kharakhia Baidyanath temple, said, “No worship goes on in Markandeya, Nilakantha and Someswara temples. The fourth one, Deba Sabha is not meant for worship. In every temple complex one such temple is generally constructed where devotees sit to discuss about God and the temple. I am a ‘badu’ by birth and priest of Kharakhia Baidyanath since long.”
Suka temple
Suka and Sari temples are two temples near Lingaraj temple. On the way towards the Badheibanka Chhaka these two temples are located on right inside a lane. Worship takes place regularly at Sari, but in Suka temple there is no idol and worship doesn’t take place. At present the Archeological Survey has taken over this temple and renovation work is in progress.
Suka temple is around 12 feet beneath the ground. Though soil removal work in the inner circle of the temple is complete other work in the premises are in progress. The temple is beautiful thanks to the fine sculpture on its body.
During a visit to Suka temple we met Janardana Raula from the Archeological department who is overseeing the renovation work. He said, “At present it is a non-living temple and worship is not going on. I don’t know much about the temple since I have joined recently. Renovation work is in progress. After about one month the soil removal work will be almost over. But it will take some more months to complete the work.”
Nageswara temple
Though Nageswara temple in pen and paper is a non-living entity when we visited the site some locals intimated that one Mohapatra regularly visits the temple for worship, albeit for a short while. However, at present the temple doesn’t have devotees coming for worship. But the locals also intimated that people have started coming of late.
When asked about the temple Dilip Panda, conservation assistant of Bhubaneswar circle of the Archeological department, denied comment saying he is not the authorised official. He intimated the superintendent of the Archeology department is the competent authority to make a statement who is in New Delhi now on an official trip and not available for comment.
Papanasini Shiva Temple
Papanasini Shiva temple is located in Papanasini precincts, Badheibanka Chowk, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, at an elevation of 45 ft (14 meters) from the ground. The temple faces south. It is an abandoned temple and the sanctum is empty. The temple is made of laterite material and is surrounded by Banesvara Siva temple in the east, Maitresvara temple in the south and the Papanasini compound wall in the north and west.
