The ancient murti discovered while excavating the foundation of the Jharkhandi temple in Nagar Panchayat Purba-Paschim Sharira has sparked curiosity. This murti is believed to depict Bhagwan Narayana or Shiv-Parvati, and devotees have placed it in the temple premises, commencing worship.
Cultural significance of the Jharkhandi temple and discovery
In the Nagar Panchayat, there is a Jharkhandi temple that is over two hundred years old. An annual fair is held here, attracting devotees from the district and nearby districts who come to witness the worship and festivities. Currently, Dhirendra Singh, a resident of Purab Sharira, is involved in beautifying the temple and its courtyard.
The villagers were taken aback when a statue was unearthed during the levelling of the ground. The discovery sparked a flurry of speculation and excitement, with many believing it to be a thousand-year-old statue of Bhagwan Narayana or Shiva-Parvati.
However, its official confirmation still needs to be completed. The murti is being kept safe in the temple premises, where people have conducted puja and bhajan kirtan. The police have also been informed. Regarding this, Station In-Charge Ashutosh Singh mentioned that the murti appears to be ancient. Determining its age and identifying the deity depicted requires input from an archaeologist. After consulting with the temple committee members, a letter will be sent to the Archaeology Department to obtain information about the murti’s antiquity.
