Rare Panchmukhi Shivlinga accidentally excavated in Chandrapur

Mumbai, May 27: A rare five-faced (Panchmukhi) Shivlinga sculpture has been found accidentally in Maharashtra's Chandrapur, during the excavation of a lake at Bhejgaon. This is first of its kind incident in the region where such rare sculpture of a Shivlinga has been found.

 

 

 

 

During the excavation of a lake at Bhejgaon in Maharashtra's Chandrapur district, for civil development work, a sculpture of Panchmukhi Shivlinga has been accidentally found. For now, the Shivlinga has been shifted to a nearest ancient temple that is on the banks of the lake. The rare Panchmukhi Shivlinga was found on Wednesday (May 25).

 

 

 

 

 

The excavated Panchmukhi Shivlinga is 5 inches long and has been primarily categorized as a terracotta figurine. The sculpture also has a red polish all over it that has faded over time. However, the incident is not an isolated one and almost a week ago another sculpture of Yamadeva was also found in the same area. The two incidents of accidentally finding such unique sculptures possesses immense significance to the region, opening gate for further archaeological research in the region.

 

The region has been a prominent area of Gond (tribe) residence since historic times placing it as a witness of Gond history. That, perhaps, has been the reputation of the region historically. However, such findings have now further paved way for possible discoveries in the region that might change the direction or add significant chapters to the history of Chandrapur and eventually to that of Maharashtra.