Bateswar Temple And Sea Beach, Odisha

Sri Bateswar Mahaprabhu Temple is an 8th-century temple near the Rushikulya rookery (of Olive Ridley turtles) and Humma village in the Ganjam district of Odisha. 

There is a sea beach near the temple.

Situated about 8 kilometres from the NH16, this temple is of archaeological importance. Devanagari and Kutila scripts are in the inscriptions at the site. However, they cannot be read due to the poor clarity of these inscriptions dating to the 10th Century.


As per this report in The Hindu in 2016, a small Parvati Temple was found buried near the main Temple during excavation that year. Many artefacts were found. Historians believe the site of the Bateswar Temple was a part of an ancient urban civilisation of Odisha.

Source: The Hindu

This report in the DNA in 2016 states that the State Archaeology Department had started renovation work with financial assistance of Rs 1.64 crore provided by the World Bank.

During our visit in April 2018, we found that the repair and renovation work is yet to be completed. Sadly, as the following two photographs prove, not much has been done in the last two years...

May 2016  ; Source: DNA

April 2018

In the above two photographs clicked in May 2016 and April 2018 respectively, one can observe just a change in the colour of the body of the main temple.

Though the renovation work started in 2013, there has been a delay in the development. As the ancient temple attracts many devotees, especially during Kartik Purnima, the incomplete works are a cause of concern for residents. According to this report in Orissa Post in 2017, local residents from six villages have taken up the renovation work in their own hands.

What happened to the World Bank funds?
Hope the work is expedited for the temple structure, staircase, tank, waste management, and periphery development - parking facilities, guard wall etc.

Near the Bateswar Temple, there is a path that leads to a thick Casuarina forest. It was great to walk through the path in the forest while the sun played hide and seek.

A beautiful beach beckoned. The pristine and serene sea beach was such a fabulous treat!
I will let the pictures do the talking.

Do you like serene and pristine beaches or those crowded with tourists? 
When and where was your last beach visit?
Please share in the comments below.

Picture prompt: Write Tribe #writebravely

This picture reminded me of the sea beach near Bateswar Temple in Odisha. 
There was not a human in sight on the beach and for a moment I thought I was the only one there!
I felt totally at one with nature. 

This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to explore some super places in the Ganjam district in Odisha. Thanks to the Swosti Group, I loved to explore #OdishaWithSwosti.