Berhampur, March 12: The state’s second tallest Jagannath temple (next to Puri) at Khallikote in Ganjam district is wallowing in neglect. The 283-year-old monument is in need of immediate attention.

Situated about 65km from Berhampur, the height of the temple’s “Vimana” is 108 feet from the plinth. However, lack of attention is taking a toll on this heritage structure as grass and plants grow wild on the temple structure.

“The Jagannath temple at Khallikote urgently requires a proper annual repair and preservation plan. The Archaeological Survey of India undertook the repair of the temple at Rs 6 lakh two years ago. But, it was not sufficient for the temple’s preservation. Now, we require at least Rs 2 lakh every year for routine repair and maintenance works of the temple structure,” said Hara Prasad Mahapatra, a physician, who is also a member of the temple management committee.

The temple had 1,600 “bharanas” of land in 16 villages, including Balunkeswarpur, Totagaon, Kamalapadar and other areas. Earlier, the revenue that came through paddy was considered to be sufficient to maintain daily rituals and the temple’s preservation. But now, the revenue has turned out to be minimal and the only regular income source of the temple has been the market complex on its premises and the mutt or monastery which has been leased on rent to the State Bank of India, he said.

Rajendra Kumar Bishoyi, a lecturer in history at Keshpur College, said the temple was mentioned in the Krishna Janmastami Vrata in Odia composed by Anirudha Chotaray, a king of Khallikote in 1748.

The wooden images of the Chaturddha Murti (Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra) and Sudarshan were first worshipped in a mandapa (open space) built by the king’s great grandfather Jagannath Mardaraj I and the foundation of the temple was laid in 1730. From the manuscript of Vaisakha Puran in Odia written by Jagannath Mardaraja Deva II (1816-1835), it is known that he built the Jagannath temple, Khallikote, at a cost of more than a lakh. Though Jagannath Mardaraja Deva II completed the temple’s construction, Narayan Mardaraja II consecrated it with the three deities in 1863.

Two types of stone have been used for the temple’s construction. Locally available Baula Malia sandstone was used in most parts of the structure, while black granite was used to build the Ratnabedi and the Garuda pillar.

Bishoyi said the masons and artisans of Phasula near Khallikote utilised their skill and labour to build this temple. Anantaram Kar, a researcher, said the government must care for this temple. “Seldom have we seen such a temple with all the features of the Kalinga school of temple architecture. It is one of the finest specimens of Kalinga-style temples,” he said.