Gandhesvara Temple

The Gandhesvara temple, popularly called Gandhesvara, has been newly built without any part of the old structure. However, the old mandapa has been restored with an inscription on one of its pillars to give us an idea of structural design of the old temple. The lower portion of the new Garbhagriha on its interior as well as outer walls is exhibiting ancient stone images related to Vaisnavism. A wonderful Buddha image is preserved under a tree in the campus. The door-jamb of Garbhagriha of this temple is original. On the lintel of the gate on the Mahanadi, a royal couple’s image in Padmasana (lotus-pose of sitting) with Namaskaramudra (mode of salutation) is represented. The royal couple may be identified with Balarjuna and his queen-consort. As far as the antiquities are concerned, the present Gandhesvara temple and its campus are like an archaeological museum in itself.