Andhra Pradesh: Ancient 14th-century Shiva lingam unearthed at Srisailam Temple

A significant archaeological discovery has been made at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, also known as Srisailam Temple, in Andhra Pradesh. If reports are to go by, a mediaeval Shiva lingam, estimated to date back to the 14th or 15th century, was unearthed near the temple’s amphitheatre. Accompanying the lingam was an inscription in Telugu script, believed to be from the same period.

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The Srisailam Temple is a revered pilgrimage site attracting thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the temple is one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’ of Shiva and one of the eighteen ‘Shakti Pithas’.

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Reports add that the lingam and the inscription were discovered during the construction of a new road and support wall near the temple. Construction workers, upon finding these historical artefacts, promptly informed the temple authorities. Subsequently, the authorities examined the lingam and inscription and sent them to the Mysore Archaeology Department for further analysis.

Preliminary examinations suggest that the lingam was installed by Kampilayya, a disciple of the prominent regional saint Siddhadeva. The inscription also references a Chakra Gundam, a Sarangadhara Matham, and a Rudraksha Matham in the area, indicating the historical and religious significance of the site.

This discovery adds to the rich history of the Srisailam Temple, which has seen several significant archaeological finds in the past. Notably, a Chaturmukha Lingam was previously discovered in the same area, along with several copper plates and silver coins during the renovation of the Panchamatha temples. These findings underscore the temple’s historical importance and its continuous religious significance through the centuries.

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The temple complex spans 2 hectares and includes four towers called ‘gopurams’, adorned with numerous sculptures. The ‘Mukamandapa’, or the hall leading to the sanctum, features intricately sculpted pillars, adding to the temple’s architectural grandeur.

The discovery has thrilled temple authorities and devotees alike, marking it as a significant find in the temple’s history. The construction work has been temporarily halted, and the area has been cordoned off to facilitate further examination and preservation of the lingam and the inscription. This pause in construction ensures that these artefacts are carefully analysed and preserved, contributing valuable information to the understanding of the temple’s past.

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