Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Temple Believed to Be Gangadevi Shrine Resurfaces in Odisha
A temple has appeared again on a beach in Odisha after being hidden by sand for about 25 years.
People in the nearby village believe it is a temple for Goddess Gangadevi.
They say the sea covered the village and the temple many years ago.
Recently, the seawater moved back from the shore.
This revealed the top part of the temple.
Many people came to see it.
Some visitors helped clear away sand.
Experts still need to study it to learn exactly how old it is and what it was used for.
A temple believed by locals to be dedicated to Goddess Gangadevi has reappeared at Podampeta beach in Odisha’s Ganjam district.
Villagers say the structure was buried beneath sand for nearly 25 years after seawater engulfed the settlement.
The temple’s upper section, including what appears to be its Dadhinauti, became visible on August 29 after seawater receded.
Large crowds gathered, and some visitors helped remove sand around the exposed portion.
The structure’s identity, age and historical significance have not been officially confirmed and require archaeological investigation.
- Who
- Local villagers, visitors and people investigating the resurfaced structure.
- What
- A temple believed to be the Gangadevi Temple has re-emerged from beneath sand.
- When
- The upper portion became visible on August 29 after being buried for nearly 25 years; reports circulated on September 2, 2026.
- Where
- Near Podampeta beach in Ganjam district, Odisha.
- Why
- The structure became visible after seawater receded from the coastline.
Local Belief
Need for Verification
Temple’s identity and history
Local Belief
Villagers identify the structure as their former Gangadevi Temple and say it was built by the settlement before being swallowed by the sea.
Need for Verification
The structure’s exact identity, age and religious significance have not been officially confirmed; archaeological examination and government-record checks are needed.
- Structure identified by locals
- Gangadevi Temple
- Burial period
- Nearly 25 years
- Location
- Podampeta beach, Ganjam district, Odisha
- First reported reappearance
- August 29
- Visible feature
- The upper section, including what appears to be the Dadhinauti
- Reported cause of submergence
- Coastal erosion, advancing seawater and the engulfment of the former settlement
- Official confirmation
- The temple’s identity, age and historical significance remain unverified