Kendrapara, Aug 31: Odisha’s coastal erosion has claimed another historic landmark, with the ancient Panchubarahi Temple at Satabhaya in Kendrapara district now completely submerged in the sea.

The temple, regarded as the last remaining symbol of the old Satabhaya settlement, was engulfed by the sea following heavy rainfall and high tidal waves. The advancing sea has been steadily eroding the coastline in the area for years.

The residents of Satabhaya had earlier been shifted to Bagapatia rehabilitation colony due to the growing threat of coastal erosion. The presiding deity, Maa Panchubarahi, was also relocated to a newly constructed temple at the rehabilitation site.

However, the old temple remained near the original coastline as a reminder of Satabhaya’s history and cultural heritage. Over the years, repeated high tides and strong waves damaged the structure. By the end of 2025, only some remains of the temple were reportedly visible. Those remains have now disappeared into the sea.

Satabhaya was once known as a cluster of seven villages. Several of these settlements have already been lost to coastal erosion, making the area one of Odisha’s most visible examples of the impact of shoreline erosion.

The Panchubarahi Temple also had a unique religious tradition, with women from the local fishing community traditionally serving as priestesses. The deity’s relocation ensured that the religious practices could continue even after residents moved to safer locations.

The disappearance of the old temple has once again highlighted the serious threat posed by coastal erosion to Odisha’s vulnerable coastline, as well as the loss of historical and cultural landmarks to the advancing sea.