Ancient Durga Temple Unearthed Beneath Sukasari Shrine in Bhubaneswar
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has uncovered the ruins of a medieval Durga temple beneath the Sukasari temple near the iconic Lingaraj shrine in Bhubaneswar.
The discovery is being hailed as a rare archaeological marvel, shedding new light on the city’s layered religious heritage.
The shrine, built in the Khakhara style, is believed to date back to the 7th–8th century Bhaumakara dynasty, while the Sukasari temple above it belongs to the 13th century Ganga dynasty.
Excavations have revealed an eight‑armed Durga idol, along with sculptures of Vishnu, Gajalakshmi, Narasimha, pottery fragments, and inscriptions.
Experts note the rarity of a Shakti Peeth in Bhubaneswar, a city historically dominated by Shaivite traditions.
The excavation, involving around 30 workers and funded with Rs 3 crore, is expected to take 1–2 years due to the fragile condition of the ruins.
Bhubaneswar, once home to over 1,000 temples, now retains about 200.
With only 23 Khakhara‑style temples under ASI protection, this find adds immense cultural and historical value, offering fresh insights into Odisha’s religious diversity and architectural evolution.
