A temple believed to be dedicated to Goddess Ganga Devi has resurfaced at Podampeta Sea Beach in Odisha’s Ganjam district, nearly 25 years after it was submerged by the advancing sea.
Parts of the structure, including its upper portion (Dadhinauti), became visible following a recent recession of the sea, drawing curious locals to the site. Residents recall that the area once housed nearly 100 households, but coastal erosion gradually engulfed the settlement, forcing families to relocate.
Locals identify the exposed remains as the Ganga Devi Temple, reportedly built by the community but never formally consecrated before the sea swallowed the settlement. Elderly villagers have been recounting how the sea advanced over the years, destroying homes and structures.
The re‑emergence has sparked interest and nostalgia, with people visiting the beach to witness the temple’s remains. While local accounts strongly associate the structure with Ganga Devi, its exact history and age remain unverified. Experts note that government records and archaeological assessment will be required to confirm the identity of the temple.
For residents, the sight is more than a relic—it is a reminder of a lost settlement and a cultural link to their past.
