Ancient Tunnel Network Uncovered Near Puri Jagannath Temple in Ground-Penetrating Survey
A groundbreaking ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey conducted around the historic Puri Jagannath Temple has revealed the presence of suspected tunnel-like structures, sparking significant interest among historians and archaeologists. According to experts, these underground features were integral components of the mutts (monastic establishments) that have surrounded the 12th-century shrine for centuries.
Significant GPR Findings Point to Extensive Underground System
The draft GPR report, submitted by IIT Gandhinagar to the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation, detected a massive underground feature measuring 6 meters in width and approximately 90 meters in length. This structure, located in the southeast area of the temple, appears to be either an ancient drainage system or a sophisticated tunnel network.
Another similar feature was identified near the Budhimaa temple, reinforcing the likelihood of an extensive network of such underground structures surrounding the Jagannath Temple complex. Historians suggest these tunnels served multiple critical purposes throughout history, including facilitating the movement of kings, mahants (religious leaders), sevayats (temple servants), and even warriors between the palace, mutts, and the temple itself.
Historical Accounts Confirm Tunnel Existence and Purpose
Historian Surendra Kumar Mishra revealed that at least seven ancient tunnels remain visible beneath various mutts, including the Ganga Mata Mutt located about 600 meters south of the Jagannath Temple and the Radhakanta Mutt. These passages are believed to extend toward both the temple and the sea.
"References to such tunnels appear consistently in historical texts and local oral traditions," Mishra explained. "During periods of invasion when the main temple gates remained closed, these underground passages were utilized by royalty, religious leaders, and temple servants to ensure uninterrupted worship of the sibling deities and to provide crucial protection."
Mishra emphasized that these structures formed part of a remarkably effective security network for the deities, noting that "despite facing eighteen documented attacks throughout history, the Jagannath Temple remained undamaged and its idols were never desecrated."
Documented Evidence from Religious Texts
Kailash Das, an expert on Jagannath culture, pointed to specific historical documentation supporting the existence of these tunnels. "The Chaitanya Charitamrita, a sacred text detailing the life and teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, explicitly mentions a tunnel connecting the Ganga Mata Mutt to the Jagannath Temple," Das stated. "This passage was reportedly used by Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya, the founder of Ganga Mata Mutt, to escort Chaitanya from the mutt to the temple."
Archaeological Context and Current Challenges
Historians note that while the exteriors of nineteen mutts surrounding the Jagannath Temple were demolished for the Parikrama project, no systematic excavation was conducted to investigate what lies beneath these structures. "The Jagannath Temple was constructed over an extended period, and there is strong possibility that the current shrine stands above scattered archaeological remains of smaller temples and mutts," Mishra observed. "Additionally, rising ground levels over centuries have buried significant sculptural heritage beneath the surface."
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had previously alerted the government in 2022 about the potential presence of ancient platforms and tunnel-like structures during deep excavation work at the Parikrama site.
Scientific Excavation Debate and Practical Limitations
While some researchers advocate for comprehensive scientific excavation and detailed assessment of the GPR findings, others highlight significant practical challenges. Archaeologist Sunil Patnaik explained the complexities: "Since Puri remains a living, functional city and the 75-meter radius around the Jagannath Temple constitutes an active religious area, traditional excavation methods are currently not feasible. Furthermore, such archaeological investigations typically require a minimum of seven to eight years to reach scientifically valid conclusions, which presents considerable logistical difficulties in the present context."
The discovery of these underground structures provides fascinating new insights into the sophisticated architectural planning and security measures employed by ancient builders to protect one of India's most revered religious sites.
