A rare structural temple belonging to the 8th-century Bhauma-Kara dynasty has been identified in the Boudh district of Odisha. Dedicated to the boar-headed goddess Varahi, the temple represents an early transition phase of Kalinga architecture, featuring a primitive rekha-deul spire and a lack of the lateral jagamohana (porch) seen in later constructions.
The discovery is particularly significant for its chlorite stone sculptures of the Matrikas, which remain in their original niches. Local heritage experts are calling for immediate state protection as the site is currently threatened by seasonal flooding from the nearby Mahanadi tributaries.