Nayagarh: Top part of Gopinath Dev temple has surfaced in river Mahanadi in the district again as the water level went down due to summer heat.
A ancient temple near Padmavati village under Bhapur block, which has remained submerged in the river for centuries, was located by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in 2020 when it had partially come out of the water.
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According to the archaeologists, the temple was constructed either in late 15th century or early 16th century. The temple, estimated to be 60 feet tall, is dedicated to Lord Gopinath, a form of Lord Vishnu. Since its discovery, it is known as Gopinath Dev temple.
Though top part of the temple (Dadhinauti) becomes visible whenever Mahanadi water recedes, the remaining parts of the structure have not been explored as those remain buried in sand in river bed.
The archaeological experts claimed that 7 villages including Padmavati submerged as Mahanadi river changed its course and flooded the area in 1933. Following this, the villagers moved to another place. They took the deity from the temple and installed it in their new village, they said.
However, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is yet to conduct any research on the temple or take steps for its renovation despite the demand of the archaeologists and local people.
