ASI unearths 1200-year-old Subrahmanya temple

ASI unearths 1200-year-old Subrahmanya temple
FOC

CHENNAI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed the ruins of a nearly 1,200-year-old temple, believed to be of the Pallava period, near the Tiger Cave in Mamallapuram.

The ASI excavators had recently come across a rock inscription with details about a grant made to a nearby temple. Based on this, they started excavation here one week ago, ASI officials here said.

Only 25 per cent of the temple remains, along with two more rock inscriptions belonging to the same period, have been unearthed so far, said T. Sathyamurthy, superintending archaeologist, ASI, Chennai circle, who is also the director of excavations. He said this is the second temple unearthed in Mamallapuram in the last one year.

?What we found are the remains of a temple built during the Pallava period. This discovery will be of public interest. The temple remains are located right on the beach and it would be a wonderful treasure for those who love archaeology,?? Sathyamurthy said.

The ASI excavators have unearthed the plinths of the temple made out of granite stone and bricks and two pillars with Pallava period inscriptions. ?We have not analysed the details of the inscription yet. But from the script it can be made out that the remains belong to the Pallava period,?? Sathyamurthy said.

It would take some more time to unearth the complete remains as the preliminary data suggests existence of a huge temple beneath. ?We will get a much clearer picture within seven to 10 days. We see chances of a bigger temple underneath and the excavation will take some more time,?? he added.

Once the excavation is complete, the ASI would preserve the temple in its present condition. This, according to ASI officials, would add to the tourist attraction of Mamallapuram, one of the most important historic tourist spots in South India.

The recent excavations carried out by the ASI have raised the interests of archaeological enthusiasts in Mamallapuram. They believe more such temples of archaeological and historic value would be lying covered in Mamallapuram.