The Madhya Pradesh government has taken up the task of restoring to its original glory an eighth century temple complex that was lying in ruins at Ashapuri village about 4 kilometres from the famous Bhojpur temple in Raisen district near Bhopal.
It was at the initiative of state minister for culture and public relations, Lakshmikant Sharma, that work to restore the eighth century Bhootnath temple commenced on July 16 this year on the banks of a huge reservoir said to have been built between eighth and twelfth century AD by the Pratihara and Parmara rulers. During the course of the restoration work, 20 temples devoted to different deities have been excavated clearly showing that a huge temple complex existed here about 1,300 years ago and the place had emerged as a centre of exquisitely carved stone temples.
While excavating the foundation of one of the temples, many artefacts, including an artistic ashthdhatu (metallic) bracelet, were found.
Talking to mediapersons, who were taken to this historic temple complex on Monday, the state culture minister said that it would take about two years to complete the restoration work on these temples. The minister further said that Rs 7 crores would be spent on the project.