The Gangeswari Temple, located in Bayalish Baati near Gop, is a 13th-century shrine built during the reign of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It is a fine representation of the Pancharatha style of Kalingan architecture, constructed of sandstone in the Khakhra style, with a Jagamohan (entrance porch) and a laterite foundation. The presiding deity, Goddess Gangeswari, was the Ista Devi (family deity) of the rulers. The temple is modest in size but culturally significant, closely linked to Konark’s chief architect, Sibei Samantaray Mahapatra, who hailed from this village. Historical accounts note that over 1,200 craftsmen, engineers, and supervisors stayed here while planning the Sun Temple, with much of the masonry transported via rafts along the nearby Patharabuha river.
