Bhubaneswar, Nov 5: The Odisha Government has declared the historic Kedar Gouri Temple complex in Old Bhubaneswar a protected monument to ensure its preservation and safeguard its cultural and architectural heritage.

The decision has been taken by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture under Section 3 of the Odisha Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1956.

The ancient temple complex, located under Lingaraj Police Station limits in Khordha district, has been brought under the protected monument category through an official notification issued by the department.

The notification was issued by Department Secretary Bijay Ketan Upadhyay on behalf of the Governor of Odisha.

Following the declaration, the Odisha State Archaeology Department will take responsibility for the conservation and maintenance of the temple complex.

With the addition of Kedar Gouri Temple, the State Archaeology Department is now responsible for the upkeep of 213 protected monuments across Odisha. The remaining 82 monuments are being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).