The Odisha government has officially declared the historic Kedargouri Temple Complex, situated in the Old Town area of Bhubaneswar, as a protected monument.
The Odia Language, Literature & Culture (OLLC) Department issued an Extraordinary Gazette notification confirming its preliminary proposal to bring the ancient shrine under state protection. The declaration has been made under sub-section (3) of Section 3 of the Orissa Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1956 (Orissa Act 12 of 1956).
Issued by Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, Secretary to the Government (OLLC Department), by order of the Governor, the notification confirms the earlier notice (No. 4032/OLLC, dated June 23, 2026). With this formal order, the Kedargouri Temple Complex, falling under the Lingaraj police station limits in Khordha district, gains statutory protection against unauthorised encroachments and structural alterations.
State Archaeology Takes Charge
Following the official notification, the structural conservation, routine maintenance, and overall upkeep of the temple complex will now fall directly under the purview of the Odisha State Archaeology Department.
Currently, the State Archaeology Department manages and maintains 212 protected monuments across Odisha, while the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) oversees 82 nationally significant heritage sites within the state. The inclusion of Kedargouri raises the tally of state-managed historical landmarks.
Cultural & Historical Importance
Located in the heart of Old Town—an area celebrated as the temple hub of Bhubaneswar—the Kedargouri complex holds immense religious, architectural, and historical significance. Dedicated to Lord Shiva (Kedareshwar) and Goddess Parvati (Gouri), the complex houses twin temples along with sacred water tanks (Kunda), attracting thousands of devotees and tourists year-round.
Local historians and heritage enthusiasts have welcomed the move, emphasising that state protection will ensure scientific restoration methods, improved visitor amenities, and systematic preservation of the centuries-old architectural features.
