12th century monument damaged in lightning

Bhubaneswar, May 17 : A 12th century monument on the outskirt of this temple city was damaged in lightning.

State Archaeological Department Superintendent Dr B K Rath said the ''kalas'', atop the amlok of the 35 feet Lakheswar temple was damaged in the lightning, while some structural cracks had also developed.

Dr Rath had deputed a two-member team at the spot to study the damages and submit a report so that necessary repair could be undertaken at the earliest.

The temple built in laterite stone was declared as 'state protected' monument in the 1970s. Lord Shiva was the presiding deity of the temple.

Since the Lakheswar temple was below 50 feets, no lightning arrester was fitted in the monument.

UNI