Bhubaneswar, Nov 5 (UDN): In a significant move towards preserving Odisha’s rich cultural and architectural heritage, the state government has officially declared the historic Kedar Gouri Temple complex in Old Bhubaneswar a protected monument.
Representational Image
The decision is aimed at ensuring the long-term conservation, maintenance and protection of the ancient temple complex, which holds considerable historical and religious significance.
The declaration has been made by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture under Section 3 of the Odisha Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1956.
Located within the jurisdiction of Lingaraj Police Station in Khordha district, the temple complex has been brought under the protected monument category through an official government notification.
The notification was issued by Department Secretary Bijay Ketan Upadhyay on behalf of the Governor of Odisha.
State Archaeology Department to Oversee Conservation
Following the official declaration, the Odisha State Archaeology Department will take charge of the conservation, preservation and regular maintenance of the Kedar Gouri Temple complex.
The move is expected to strengthen efforts to protect the temple’s historic structures and architectural features from deterioration and ensure their preservation for future generations.
213 Monuments Now Under State Archaeology
With the inclusion of Kedar Gouri Temple, the Odisha State Archaeology Department is now responsible for the upkeep and conservation of 213 protected monuments across the state.
Meanwhile, the remaining 82 protected monuments are under the maintenance and supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The latest decision reflects the state government’s continued efforts to safeguard Odisha’s architectural legacy and preserve its ancient religious and cultural landmarks.
The protected status is expected to provide a more structured framework for the conservation and management of the historic Kedar Gouri Temple complex, strengthening its importance as part of Bhubaneswar’s heritage landscape.