Recent excavations beneath an existing temple structure in Bhubaneswar have revealed the remains of an earlier Durga shrine dating to approximately the 7th–8th century CE.
Archaeologists uncovered:
- Structural remains of an older shrine
- Stone sculptures
- Inscriptional evidence
- Carved architectural fragments
The discovery provides important insight into the layered religious history of temple cities in eastern India.
The Excavation Beneath the Temple
Excavations revealed that the current temple complex was built above an earlier sacred structure.
Researchers identified:
- Older foundation remains
- Sculptural fragments linked to Durga worship
- Architectural components from an earlier phase of construction
This suggests the site remained sacred over multiple centuries.
Sculptures and Inscriptions
Among the most important discoveries were:
- Sculptures associated with Durga iconography
- Stone inscriptions that may help date the earlier shrine
- Decorative architectural carvings typical of early medieval Odisha
Such finds help archaeologists reconstruct the religious traditions and artistic styles of the period.
Layered Religious Landscapes
The discovery demonstrates an important archaeological phenomenon known as a layered religious landscape.
In many historic temple centers:
- New temples were built over older sacred sites
- Worship continued across generations
- Sacred geography remained important even as architecture changed
Bhubaneswar, often called the “City of Temples,” preserves many examples of this long religious continuity.
Why This Discovery Matters
This excavation is significant because it helps archaeologists:
- Trace the evolution of temple architecture in Odisha
- Understand continuity in sacred worship traditions
- Reconstruct the religious history of Bhubaneswar
In simple terms, the temple visible today may stand directly above an older sacred shrine used more than a thousand years ago.
⚠️ Note: Images used are representative of temple architecture, sculptures, and excavations in Odisha.
