Bhubaneswar, 5 July (H.S.) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, has officially declared the ancient Swapneswar Mahadev Temple in Punjiama village of Khordha district as a centrally protected monument.

Odisha Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced the development on Saturday via his official handle on X . “I am pleased to share that the Government of India, through the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India, has officially declared the historic Swapneswar Mahadev Temple as a Protected Monument,” he posted.

The minister hailed the move as a major milestone in the conservation of Odisha’s cultural heritage, emphasizing that the recognition will aid in preserving the state’s rich historical legacy. “The temple not only stands as a spiritual beacon for the region but also carries the timeless narrative of our past,” he noted.

Believed to date back to the 6th century during the reign of the Shailodbhava dynasty, the Swapneswar Mahadev Temple is considered a rare and early example of Odisha’s temple architecture and religious heritage. Situated in the Niladri Prasad Panchayat under Banapur block, the site has long attracted historians, archaeologists, and devotees for its historical and spiritual significance.

The ASI's decision follows years of advocacy by heritage conservationists and scholars seeking national-level recognition for the site. With its new protected status, the temple will now benefit from systematic conservation, preservation, and maintenance under ASI protocols, ensuring its long-term safeguarding for future generations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda