Archaeologists working in the remote northern reaches of Chhattisgarh have announced the discovery of a sprawling 8th-century temple complex. This site, located within the dense forests of Balrampur, belongs to the early Kalachuri dynasty and features a unique Trikuta (triple-shrine) plan. The central sanctum, though partially collapsed, still holds a monolithic sandstone lingam, while the flanking shrines appear dedicated to Vishnu and Surya.
The excavation team noted that the architecture exhibits a rare transition between post-Gupta and early medieval styles. Notably, the Adhisthana (basement) of the temple is remarkably intact, showcasing intricate carvings of aquatic life and floral motifs that suggest the temple was once the center of a thriving riverine settlement. Local heritage officials are now calling for the site to be designated a protected zone to prevent looting of the surrounding stone friezes.