Ramgarh: An ancient Buddhist temple along the Ramgarh-Bokaro National Highway, believed to be built in the Pala-era and over 800 years old, will be restored to its former glory.North Chotanagpur division commissioner Vijay Kumar Gupta on Wednesday visited Kheeri Math in Gola block and assessed the condition of the temple. He also spoke to the locals.“Kheeri Math is a part of the region’s historic and cultural heritage. We are taking steps for its restoration. The objective will be to protect the ancient monument and preserve its original identity for future generations,” Gupta said.District administration sources said a proposal has been moved to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in this regard. Ramgarh deputy commissioner Rituraj did not respond to TOI’s calls when contacted.Local historians said the temple represents a rare blend of architectural and religious traditions. “The structure remains in remarkably good condition despite being believed to have been constructed between the 12th and 13th centuries,” Harendra Sinha, archaeologist and former deputy director of the state culture and archaeology department, said.Faiyaz Ahmad, director of Zarina Khatoon Museum-cum-Research Centre in Ramgarh, said the temple stands on a square plan measuring about 20.5 feet by 18.5 feet and rises nearly 50 feet high. “Built in the North Indian Nagara style, the double-storeyed monument has its main arched entrance facing east,” Ahmad said.What makes Kheeri Math unique are its Buddhist symbols. Two fish motifs carved above the entrance gateway and an image of Buddha in a meditative posture beneath a canopy on the western wall are considered part of Buddhism’s Ashtamangala, or eight auspicious symbols.Experts place the temple’s time of construction in the Pala era after comparing with the findings of the ASI in Itkhori in Chatra district, a prominent Buddhist site.
