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The Rediff Special/ Sun Temple

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M I Khan in Bhubaneswar

A large of part of the 13th century Sun Temple in Orissa, out of bounds for both casual visitors and researchers for almost hundred years, is likely to be thrown open to public soon.

This interior part of the temple complex - referred to in some ancient texts as the mukhyasala - was filled with sand in 1903 by the then British rulers to strengthen the foundation of this ancient structure. The Archaeology Survey of India has been hesitant to throw it open to public, fearing that the removal of the sand could weaken the structure.

However, this fear was not backed by any sound technical logic. And now, after several years of intensive research, the ASI, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation and the Central Building Research Institute of Roorkee have come to the conclusion that there is no link between the sand and the structure's durability.

The news has generated much excitement in the state, especially within archaeology circles.

The mukhyasala of this magnificent temple complex - popularly known as Konark Temple - has been the source of many enduring legends. One such fable holds that the mukhyasala is packed with jewels of incredible beauty and immense value.

While that may not be true, researchers are sure smacking their lips at the prospect of uncovering an archaeological treasure. The Tourism Department of the state government on its part is hurriedly revising its projections about the number of tourists likely to visit this world heritage site in the coming years.

Superintendent of the ASI, L S Rao, said the removal of the sand had become a necessary in order to carry out conservation work in the temple complex. However, he added, it hasn't yet been decided when the work would begin.

Sources said the opening of the mukhayasala is a sensitive decision and the ASI was unlikely to act in haste.

"This is not part of the regular conservation work. We need to consider all aspects before the sand is removed. International help must be sought to apply the best technology. It's a structure of immense archaeological, historical and cultural value. We must ensure that it is conserved for the generations to come."

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