Bhubaneswar: Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan has sought the Centre’s intervention for protection and preservation of Kapileswar Temple near Bhubaneswar.
In a letter to Union Minister of Tourism and Culture G Kishan Reddy on Tuesday, Pradhan said the Kapileswar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built by the Somavamsi dynasty in 7th century on the outskirts of Odisha capital.
Famous for its beautiful architecture, sculptures and paintings, the temple is a popular pilgrimage site which is visited by the devotees in large number during Shivaratri and other festivals. But the temple is facing serious threats from urbanisation, pollution and neglect, said Dharmendra.
“The temple complex is surrounded by encroachments, garbage dumps and sewage outlets. Its structure is deteriorating due to lack of maintenance and conservation. The temple art and heritage are fading away due to vandalism and weathering. The temple atmosphere is losing its sanctity and serenity due to noise and disturbance,” said the Union Minister.
He requested Minister Reddy to intervene in the matter and urge the Archaeological Survey of India (ASl) to adopt the Kapileswar Temple under its protection and development scheme. As the premier institute in India for preservation of monuments, the ASI has the expertise, resources and authority to restore and enhance the glory of Kapileswar temple, Dharmendra added.
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