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Rare 10th-Century Somavamsi Era Temple Ruins with Intact Panchayatana Layout Discovered in Rural Deogarh, Odisha

📅 April 7, 2026 📰 The Times of India
Rare 10th-Century Somavamsi Era Temple Ruins with Intact Panchayatana Layout Discovered in Rural Deogarh, Odisha

Exploration in the dense forests of Odisha's Deogarh district has led to the identification of a 10th-century temple complex belonging to the Somavamsi dynasty. The site features a rare Panchayatana layout, where a central shrine is surrounded by four smaller subsidiary shrines. The architecture is characterized by its intricate 'Rekha Deula' style, featuring heavy ornamentation and floral friezes.

Archaeologists believe the temple was a significant center for the Shaiva-Siddhanta sect, as evidenced by the discovery of a large monolithic Shivalinga in the central sanctum. The remote location has protected the site from historical looting, leaving many of the original stone carvings of celestial dancers and guardians largely untouched.

Original source: The Times of India