Secret Tunnel Links Puri's Jagannath Temple To Sea? Here's What IIT Gandhinagar's Survey Says

Last Updated:March 25, 2026, 21:44 IST

GPR survey by IIT Gandhinagar indicated at the existence of a tunnel extending from the Srimandir towards the sea.

Puri, one of India’s most revered pilgrimage centres, may be sitting atop an ancient buried city, according to a recent Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey. The study has revealed possible structural remains beneath the holy town, including what experts believe could be an underground tunnel linking the Shree Jagannath Temple to the sea.

The survey was initiated after artefacts, including lion sculptures believed to be from the Ganga dynasty, were unearthed during excavation work for the Srimandir Parikrama Project. These initial discoveries raised questions about the extent of historical remains around the temple, prompting a more scientific investigation.

Findings from the GPR survey suggest that the archaeological remains stretch well beyond the immediate temple precincts, covering a wider area under Puri. Experts identified structural remains across 21.6 square metres and detected 43 heritage sites at several key locations. These include Emar Math, Nrusingha Temple, Budhi Maa Temple, and stretches along the road leading to the Jagannath Temple.

In addition to structural traces, underground deposits of pottery, metal objects, and everyday-use items were recorded, pointing to a once-thriving habitation. Specialists involved in the study have recommended controlled excavation and systematic preservation to protect what they describe as the city’s hidden heritage.

The need for scientific methods became more pressing after heavy machinery used during earlier excavation activities damaged two lion sculptures. At that time, no GPR survey had been conducted, leading to controversy over the handling of heritage structures. The Archaeological Survey of India later confirmed that the damaged sculptures, along with a 30-foot wall, dated back to the Ganga dynasty. The survey also identified a chamber measuring 7.6 metres by 3 metres, where researchers believe golden idols might once have been worshipped.

The GPR survey was commissioned by the Shree Jagannath Temple administration through the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) at a cost of Rs 40 lakh and was carried out by IIT Gandhinagar. However, confusion arose over the status of the report: while the temple administration claimed it had not received the findings, IIT Gandhinagar maintained that the report had been submitted.

The matter came to light after advocate Dillip Baral obtained a copy of the report through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Baral has since called for immediate, scientific excavation and preservation efforts to ensure that the newly identified heritage sites and possible buried city beneath Puri are properly protected and studied.

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