From top: Papanasini tank lay covered in algae, construction adjacent to the Kapali Matha temple and Mangaleswar temple. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 8: Papanasini Kunda, situated at the Badheibanka Chowk in Old Town, has fallen victim to poor maintenance. Some of the temples and other structures around this revered tank are also lying in a dilapidated state.

The embankment of the Papanasini tank needs urgent repairs as a green layer of algae deposit has settled above the water. Moreover, it has been encroached on many sides by private residences and an electric transformer.

Papnansini Kunda is protected as a heritage site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). According to archaeologists, the huge tank was constructed in 11th century.

The deity of the Lingaraja temple is brought here for a bath during festivals. Many ancient temples such as Maitreswara, Isaneswara, Baneswara, Mangaleswara, Papanasini temple and the Kapali Matha are situated in and around the precinct of the tank.

“The temples belong to various deities who are believed to be the relatives of Lord Lingaraja,” said Samarendra Batu, caretaker of Kapali Matha.

Structures such as Mangaleswara temple and Kapali Matha are in urgent need of repairs. The 14th century Mangaleswara temple, built in laterite and devoid of any special architecture, lies in neglect with garbage dumped all across it. The Kapali Matha that has many sculptural carvings and designs is in utter deterioration since construction has started in this age-old structure.

The Kapali Matha, an 11th century monument, has already been threatened by the vagaries of nature. At present, it has being encroached by some local people despite the ASI Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2010.

The act that prohibits any construction within 100 metres of a protected monument is being flouted openly around the protected Papanasini tank.

“We have been living here and taking care of this half-collapsed structure. Now, many people are claiming their right on the property. They have also started construction work for shops. However, the authorities are taking no steps,” said Batu.

Superintending archaeologist of the ASI, Bhubaneswar circle A.K. Patel said steps had been taken to prohibit the construction.

“As soon as we had come to know, our circle in-charge approached the police. We are not a law enforcing body but we will do our best to tackle this,” said Patel.

“According to legend, Sage Sajoti meditated at this spot worshipping Lord Shiva of the Lingaraja temple, located a few metres away from the tank. The sage convinced the Lord to allow the construction of a tank that would be filled with holy water, a dip in which would wash away sins of devotees,” said historian Sadasiba Pradhan, head of the archaeology department, Utkal University.

Thus the tank acquired the name Papanasini, meaning “cleanser of sins”.