Dhir, an archaeologist or historian, stated that during their explorations and research, they had never encountered such a vast and extensive ruined complex that contained several remnants of an early era temple. The ruins suggest that there was a considerable temple complex that had disintegrated for unknown reasons. Despite this, the foundation of the temple was still discernible, and a significant number of massive blocks, intricately carved stone panels, and a few religious sculptures were found scattered throughout the area. Additionally, a Kalasha, a sacred pot often found atop Hindu temples, was discovered at the excavation site near the railway station.
Dhir said the presence of many small forts in the vicinity is indicative of a large habitation in the early days.
“In the last five years, many archaeological remains from eastern Ganga’s era have been discovered in the nearby forts of Amaravati, Teligada and Darpanagada. The nearby villages of Teligada and Dharmasala had earlier yielded the Rathayatra stone panel and a magnificent Krishna-Vishnu image. These are now kept at the Odisha State Museum,” he said.
