Puri: The Gumuta, a small temple-like structure, at the Lions’ Gate commonly known as Singhadwar of Srimandir here, is in a state of dilapidation.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), conservator of the 12th century shrine, has failed to renovate the dilapidated structure despite an advice in this regard from the Srimandir Technical Committee.
According to researchers, the Gumuta of Lions’ Gate was constructed during the reign of Suryavansha king Kapilendra Dev in 15th century. The structure sustained extensive damage in attacks from hostile elements in 17th century. However, the small temple-like structure at the Lions’ Gate was restored subsequently.
The technical committee of Srimandir had examined the structural status of Lions’ Gate, the main temple and subsidiary temples on the Srimandir premises in 2011.
In its report, the technical panel had expressed concern over the structural status of Lions’ Gate Gumuta and asked the ASI to repair it at the earliest.
The panel had advised the ASI to apply fresh plaster on the dilapidated structure by replacing loosened stones with new ones. Moreover, the temple conservator was told to replace the dilapidated beams of Lions’ Gate Gumuta, sources said.
Accepting the report, the ASI initiated repair works on the Gumuta in 2012. It had installed a few stainless steel beams at the stricture and carried some other minor repair works on the structure.
However, the central agency left the renovation work in the midway. As a result, three beams at the western side of Lions’ Gate Gumuta have developed cracks and many stones have loosened, it is learnt.
When contacted, ASI senior conservation assistant Chittaranjan Das said they would repair the Lions’ Gate Gumuta soon after the completion of Hindu month of Kartika. “We will replace dilapidated beams with stainless steel beams. Besides, steps would be taken to peel the plaster off and examine the status of Gumuta,” he added.
