Latest news with #Rashtrakuta
India.com
03-07-2025
- India.com
Explore The Mysterious Underground Temples Of Pune That Few Know
The city of Pune becomes famous for its historical Maratha heritage combined with its educational colleges and its growing information technology field. The city of Pune conceals a secretive network of temples which exist underground. Such historical architecture represents the remarkable religious and architectural legacy of the regional past. Seven unnoticed underground temple sites in Pune are discussed in detail in this section of the text. 1. The Pataleshwar Cave Temple Pataleshwar Cave Temple stands as the most popular subterranean sanctuary of Pune because this 8th century Rashtrakuta dynasty temple was excavated from a single basalt rock. This temple consists of a single massive basalt rock which demonstrates an intricately carved lingam inside its center area. The cave temple combines mandapa (a hall with pillars), sanctum sanctorum with a circular Nandi shrine interior. Surrounded by central Pune's high traffic areas this temple remains unnoticed by a large number of neighborhood residents. The natural cooling effect inside the cave offers visitors a serene escape from the city's heat. 2. The Hidden Shrines of Parvati Hill Besides its famous Parvati Temple complex Parvati Hill shelters several hidden underground worship sites. The underground chambers had a historical role in both meditation and ceremonial rituals. Heritage records state that saints used to perform their penance at this sacred site. The areas that show spiritual value to the hill cannot be accessed by public visitors but continue playing a vital role in studying the pilgrimage site's religious significance. Special permission grants access to these places which show the historical evolution of Pune throughout ancient times. 3. Lenyadri Caves Visitors should explore Lenyadri Caves which originally belonged to the Pune region though their location sits 90 kilometers away from the city. More than thirty Buddhist caves formed from a hill embrace UNESCO World Heritage status while some of these caves transformed into Hindu temples. Devotees are drawn to the Ganesha Temple in Cave 7 because they can seek blessings in its dark interior after descending through the chambers. The route from Pune to Junnar allows travelers to rediscover prehistoric subterranean religious sites of this region. 4. The Forgotten Subterranean Chambers of Shaniwar Wada Shaniwar Wada stands as a magnificent fortification which Peshwa Bajirao I constructed along with its reputation for tragic history. Visitors usually miss the supposedly hidden underground passages hidden beneath the fortress despite viewing these sites. Historians believe the concealed spaces were possibly built to function as secret corridors together with storage facilities. Despite a destructive fire in 1828 which damaged most of the ancient building, the notion of hidden tunnels extending through the site towards neighboring areas continues to survive in local traditions. Archeological excavations might reveal comprehensive information about the secret underground chambers. 5. The Bhamburde Caves A series of rock-cut caves known as the Bhamburde Caves exists around the Pune city limits. The Satavahana period during circa 2nd century BCE witnessed the creation of these caves which showcase elegant and simplistic motifs intended to support religious activities. Wild vegetation covers the mostly uncharted caves where visitors can discover peace by exploring beyond standard tourist sites. Minimal tourist activity at these sites creates an environment of peace since visitors avoid them due to their hidden nature. Conclusion The historical sites buried beneath Pune's surface prove to be a combination of spiritual sanctuaries and works of artistic expertise. The Pataleshwar Cave Temple and the enigmatic chambers of Shaniwar Wada together with other sites share unique historical accounts that reveal Pune's prolonged development across many centuries. The curious sites hide in close proximity to busy urban areas even though no resident or visitor stops to appreciate them. The purpose of this effort is to generate more appreciation for Pune's diverse cultural heritage by revealing its unseen attractions. Exploring these underground sites presents enthusiasts of various kinds with an extraordinary opportunity to experience Pune's core essence.
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Information board at Telangana's sole geo-heritage site inaugurated; presence of rock paintings, structural significance mentioned
A geo-heritage information panel board highlighting the geological importance and structural significance of the Pandavula Gutta rock formations, including their age and the presence of ancient rock paintings, was set up at the State's sole geo-heritage site in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. The initiative, taken by the scientists of Geological Survey of India (GSI), Telangana, would allow the visitors to gain insights into the geo-heritage site and explore the geological marvel. The information panel board was inaugurated by Manju S, Director, GSI, Telangana, at Pandavula Gutta Geo-heritage site on Friday (June 27, 2025). She was accompanied by senior scientists Ramesh Samala, Ramesh Gunda, Tushar Chandra Patel and Ashok Kumar Kalabathula, a press release said. The site's geological importance lies in its unique rock formations including caves and rock shelters and the insights they provide into India's geological past. Pandavula Gutta consists of coarse-grained sandstone of the Jakaram Formation of the Mulugu Group of rocks of Pakhal Supergroup and boasts a rich history, including Paleolithic cave paintings and habitation sites from the Mesolithic to medieval periods. These rock paintings consist of of large sized animal figures viz. bison, antelope, and leopards. Besides these rock paintings, inscriptions of the Rashtrakuta period and fresco paintings of late medieval period have also been reported from these hillocks. Pandavula Gutta is a must-visit geo-tourism site endowed with natural beauty and ancient rock paintings.
New Indian Express
05-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Excavation at Karnataka's Lakkundi to unearth clues to Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas
GADAG : Excavation began at Lakkundi for the second time in 20 years. This time, an open ground has been prepared to collect antique items, coins and inscriptions of Kote Veerabhadreshwara Temple. Retired scientist Keshav and his team are working with the ASI team, and there is much curiosity among history enthusiasts to see the artifacts being excavated. In November, ten teams started excavation work at Lakkundi and found five wells, six inscriptions and 600 historic stone carvings. This time, five families handed over their houses to the excavation team, and ASI officials also plan to make an open museum under the guidance of Tourism Minister HK Patil. Incidentally, the first excavation was started in 2004-05 under Patil, who was then irrigation minister. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the work this week. As per Lakkundi Heritage Development Authority sources, there are good chances of getting coin mintage, some more wells, temples and antique items from the Rashtrakuta, Kalyani, Chalukya and Hoysala eras. In 2004, Lakkundi Prabhudeva Mutt's south part, and a wall belonging to the ninth or tenth century was found. In 2005, some stone age items were found. This time, the idea of an open museum has attracted many as it is the first time the people of Lakkundi will be able to see artifacts in an open place. Siddalingeshwar Patil, committee member of Lakkundi Heritage Development Authority, said, 'This time, we are curious to see what we get after excavation. We hope to see old Lakkundi coins and inscriptions which will show us the path to further inscriptions. This time, we hope to find temples and wells belonging to Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas and Hoysala dynasties.' How excavation started Minister HK Patil has a big hand in the excavation which started in November. He first convinced all villagers by writing out Lakkundi's brief history and pamphlets were printed and distributed to villagers. Patil appealed to the people to support the excavation, and the villagers gave the ASI team good support.
Indian Express
01-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Ancient Jain caves in Telangana's Anantagiri face neglect, archaeologist calls for their protection
cluster of fifteen 9th-century rock-cut Jain caves at Telangana's Anantagiri, a popular hill station in the Vikarabad district, about 100km from the state capital Hyderabad, is in urgent need of protection and conservation, according to senior archaeologist Dr E Sivanagireddy. He inspected the site Saturday and highlighted the precarious state of these 1,100-year-old historical treasures. The caves, which are square and rectangular in plan, vary in size from 2 to 6 metres in length, 2 to 3 metres in width, and 2.5 metres in depth, with openings that face east. Dr Reddy confirmed their Jain affiliation, noting they were likely excavated to provide shelter for Jain ascetics during the rainy season and to observe the Sallekhana vrata (fast unto death). 'Out of the 15 caves, only six remain intact, with the others suffering damage while widening a pathway leading to the origin point of the Musi river. Evidence of their Jain heritage includes rock-cut beds on the cave floors, niches in the walls for lamps, and a mutilated Jain statue seated in artha paryankasana,' he said. Dr Sivanagireddy has appealed to the authorities of the Ananta Padmanabha Swamy temple and the Vikarabad Municipality to take immediate steps for the preservation of these significant historical sites. His recommendations include removing the whitewash coating from the cave walls, improving accessibility with proper pathways, creating a clear 'free belt' around the caves, and installing signage detailing their historical and religious importance. Such measures, he stressed, are crucial to safeguard these caves for future generations. Dr Padmanabham, chairman of the temple, has reportedly assured Dr Reddy of his support in this endeavour. Heritage activists D R Syamsundar Rao, B Venkatareddy, B Sai Kiran Reddy, and Ellayya were also part of the exploration team. Dr Sivanagireddy said such rock-cut caves are found in four more locations across the state, and all belong to the Rashtrakuta period and similarly deserve attention and protection. 'There are similar caves at Yellakonda near Nawabpet on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Such caves are also noticed at Akalayagutta, Padmakshigutta, and Mugilicherla on the outskirts of Warangal,' he added.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Rare Satavahana, Neolithic artefacts discovered in Kondapaka
Hyderabad: Members of the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam have unearthed three Neolithic stone axes and a rare terracotta torso from the Satavahana period at the Patigadda mound in Kondapaka village in Siddipet district. The terracotta figure, believed to represent a royal figure wearing a breastplate, offers a rare glimpse into early Telangana's material culture. These latest finds add to a growing list of discoveries from the same site, which has previously yielded colourful glass beads, a carved ivory dice, a double-edged Neolithic axe, terracotta figurine fragments, and iron slag—indicating the site's long-standing archaeological significance. Call for scientific excavation Sriramoju Haragopal, convenor of the Brundam, siad that the mound is part of a larger historical landscape, with layers spanning the prehistoric era to the Rashtrakuta and Kakatiya periods. "These discoveries are not isolated. They suggest an uninterrupted human presence and an evolving cultural footprint over several centuries," he said. Haragopal urged the Telangana heritage department to initiate a comprehensive and scientific excavation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Alerta: Você tem zumbido no ouvido? Dica de ouro pode aliviar! Zumbido no ouvido Undo "Without immediate and systematic intervention, the archaeological wealth of Kondapaka risks being lost or scattered. The site holds crucial evidence of Telangana's deep and layered past, and must be preserved through expert exploration," he added. The Brundam emphasised that such grassroots discoveries should shape official heritage conservation strategies, especially in archaeologically rich zones like Siddipet.
