(From top) The smaller temple in the Paramguru precinct, the two Shiva lingas of which the second one is submerged, the bigger temple, decoration on the wall of the ASI-protected Sisireswar temple that shares its boundary with the Paramguru precinct. Telegraph pictures

Bhubaneswar, March 1: An architectural masterpiece created more than a thousand years ago, lies in utter neglect in the Old Town area. The 10th century Shiva temple, which lies in the Paramguru firewood godown precinct here, is in a dilapidated condition and might come down any moment. Another smaller ancient monument, the Manibhadresvara temple, that dates back to the eighth century, also lies in the precinct and its situation is no different.

Though local residents and landowner Rabindra Paramguru are taking care of the Shiva temple, the structures need urgent attention as the dome, which is now just a pile of dismantled rocks, could collapse any moment. Another ancient monument, the eighth century Manibhadresvara temple, lies in the precinct of the Shiva temple and shares its predicament.

“The Paramguru family takes care of the temple and a daily worship is also held. But we fear that the temple may collapse any time,” said Bhagya, a local resident.

Another local, Basanta, says the temple has been standing in this form since years. “As a kid I would be scared of sitting on the porch in case the structure fell on me. But it has been lying the same way since decades,” he said.

This temple, attributed to the initial phase of temple building in this region, is believed to be built by the Somavamsi kings. Architectural features hint that it belonged to the Somavamsi king, an archaeologist said.

The unique feature of the temple is the decoration with Vaishnavite sculptures on the exterior walls. One finds intricate carving of the dasavatars (10 incarnations of Vishnu) around the Shiva temple. The temple shares its boundary with the back wall of Sisreswar temple, an ASI-protected monument.

The beautifully decorated sculptural motifs of this eight century monument are threatened by vegetation in the Paramguru precinct. Two separate Shiva lingas are also situated in its precinct.

“Since the lingas have been there for hundreds of years and are situated much below the ground level, the owner of the land has created a brick fence with steps to protect them from the seepage of drain water so that worship can continue,” said Basanta. While one of the lingas is safe, another lies hidden under dirty water that has covered it.

“The level of the land was much lower even until few years ago and thus, drain water and rain water used to enter the entire area. However, we levelled the land by filling it with sand and soil, this does not happen anymore,” said Bhagya.

“But one of the lingas still faces the problem of water seepage,” he said.

The Manibhadreswara temple is also in a sorry state. The monument does not have a deity but is decorated with impressive architectural motifs. The structure has cracks and is crumbling. With no preservation steps taken, the eighth century monument is partially under the ground.

“If archaeologists could repair the temples, we would be grateful to them. Since all of us do not have much idea of conservation, we are only carrying on the worship and trying to keep the surroundings as clean as possible. We could seek some guidance to preserve the temples,” said Bhagya.