Ruins of ancient temple unearthed in Salepur

Salepur: Ruins of an ancient temple, believed to be of eighth or ninth century, have been discovered by locals at Lunahara village in Salepur of Cuttack district.

Several idols of gods and goddess and remains of the temple were unearthed during excavation work of a pond that was going on at Lunahara village yesterday.The digging work of the pond that was underway for the last 10 days has now been halted.

Historian Akshay Dash said that, "The remains of the temple are eighth or ninth century old. Five years ago, a 3-feet idol of goddess Laxmi was found at the same village and it is now being worshipped by a villager."

The Archaeological department and the district administration should conduct survey and take steps to preserve such antique items in museums, Dash stated.

Meanwhile, the villagers have urged the State Government to take over such excavation work in coming days to ensure safe recovery of such antique items.