Researchers from Kalinga Epigraphical Research Group (KERG) have successfully deciphered an old ancient stone inscription from Odisha’s Khurda district. The inscription, believed to be more than 700 years old, is found in the temple of Pancha Mahadeva at Sarapari village of Tangi block in Khurda district.
Deviprasad Samantaray, a local heritage enthusiast, had informed the KERG about the inscription. KERG researchers Bishnu Mohan Adhikari, Bikram Nayak, Mihir Bahinipati and Deepak Kumar Nayak responded to the call and deciphered the inscription.
According to Deepak Nayak, the inscription is inscribed in the right side wall of the entrance to the Jagamohana.
“We found nine lines on the inscription which can be identified as Proto Odia script and Odia language used in Kalingotkala region around the 13th/14th Century CE. Considering the script, the Sarapari inscription has close connections with Patteswar Temple inscription of Eastern Ganga King Bhanudeva III found in Pattangi village of ancient Kalinga (Now in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh). As per the temple construction style and iconographical details of the subsidiary sculptures, it may be said that the temple was also built during the Eastern Ganga's ruling era,” added Deepak.
Researcher Bishnu Mohan Adhikari said that the inscription is badly damaged and some parts are covered with plastering.
“However, we were able to decipher it partially. The inscription is indicative of a donation to one Malakara (Mali) sevayata named Damodara on the merit of Bhogakhanja for the deity. In all possibilities Damodara was the very first Malakara Sevayata to carry out rituals associated with the temple. We have no information on the donor who made this donation nor the exact dating,” said Adhikari.
Researcher Mihir Bahinipati said the medieval era inscription puts some interesting information on the writing style and usage of Odia script during that period.
“From the first line of this inscription, we see the usage of a word ‘Sarapadi,’ possibly after so many years this is now corrupted to 'Sarapari' which is the name of this village. The 5th line reveals the name of the deity as 'Sareswara Deba.' For Odisha's history and epigraphical research the Sarapari inscription holds a lot of importance. Currently, the temple is under renovation. The inscription panel must be dealt with adequate care just to ensure no further damage,” Bahinipati observed.
