Multi-Pronged Search for Palaeo-Channels near Konark Temple, Odisha - Implications for the Mythical River Chandrabhaga

A multi-disciplinary investigation reveals the likely presence of a palaeo-channel near the 13th-century Konark Sun Temple, Odisha, India, supporting historical accounts of the mythical River Chandrabhaga. Using remote sensing data (Landsat, ASTER Terra Look, and SRTM images), thematic mapping, GIS analysis, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), researchers delineated a probable palaeo-channel extending north of the temple, parallel to the coast. This finding aligns with ancient literature describing Chandrabhaga as a river flowing near Konark, now absent from the region. The study combines geological, geophysical, and historical evidence, offering new insights into the temple's historical context and the fate of this legendary river.

Jana, S., Mohanty, W. K., Gupta, S., Rath, C. S., Behera, R. R., & Patnaik, P. (2016). Multi-Pronged Search for Palaeo-Channels near Konark Temple, Odisha - Implications for the Mythical River Chandrabhaga. Current Science, 111(8), 1387. https://doi.org/10.18520/cs/v111/i8/1387-1393