Puri: Even as archaeological experts struggle to restore the original structure of the famous Sun Temple at Konark, its duplicate in miniature form, Maa Gangeswari temple, which is also called ‘Mini Konark’ temple, has been languishing in neglect.
Located in Bayalishbati village under Gop block of the district, the temple was built in 13th century. Its architecture and sculptors are duplicate copies of the Sun temple. Maa Gangeswari was worshipped in the temple since then.
Over the years, as devotees stopped visiting the temple, it was relegated into negligence. There is threat to the structure of the temple as cracks have developed at several places on its surface and trees have grown from the cracks of its walls. With the Archaeology department remaining indifferent to take steps for its preservation, its future hangs in balance.
Though the department declared that the temple is situated in a safe place, the department is yet to take any steps to strengthen its foundation, alleged the local villagers.
However, the members of ‘Utsarg’, an NGO, on Monday cleaned the premises and outer surface of the temple. Utsarg secretary Bishnumohan Pradhan called for urgent measures for preservation of the temple failing which another historical marvel of ancient architecture will vanish into oblivion.
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