Ancient Stone Steps Unearthed at Mahalaxmi Temple During Conservation Work
In a significant archaeological discovery, ongoing conservation and development works at the Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur have revealed four intricately carved stone steps of the Garud Mandap, which were buried underground. The find occurred on Monday during the removal of modern flooring, shedding new light on the temple's historical architecture.
Discovery and Proposed Excavation
The Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Samiti (PMDS) has formally informed the state archaeology department about the discovery. They have proposed excavating these steps an additional 2-3 feet to potentially unearth the original construction of the temple that lies buried beneath the soil. This initiative aims to preserve and expose the temple's ancient foundations.
Shivraj Naikwade, secretary of the PMDS, stated, "We have informed the archaeological department about the discovered steps and proposed that they be excavated down to 3 feet. New floors can be laid there to prevent them from sinking underground again and to expose the original construction buried in the soil."
Details of the Find
The discovery was made while removing tiles adjacent to the Garud Mandap as part of the temple's renovation efforts. Initially, one stone step was unearthed, and upon careful further digging, three more steps were uncovered. Notably, two of these steps feature intricate stone carvings, highlighting the craftsmanship of the temple's original builders.
Background on the Conservation Project
This discovery is part of the broader Rs1,400 crore Mahalaxmi Temple Development Plan. Currently, the first phase of conservation works, valued at Rs144 crore, is underway. The project addresses previous modifications, such as a non-heating floor installed fifteen years ago on the outer premises to aid devotees. However, this flooring was deemed unsuitable for the temple's architecture, leading to its removal and replacement with new stone tiles measuring 9-10 inches.
Enhancements to the Garud Mandap
In addition to the excavation, PMDS officials have announced plans to increase the height of the Garud Mandap by 7 inches. This adjustment is designed to allow more sunlight to enter the temple, thereby enhancing the 'Kirnotsav' phenomenon associated with the Goddess Mahalaxmi temple. This festival celebrates the sun's rays illuminating the deity, and the modification aims to improve this spiritual experience for devotees.
The unearthing of these ancient steps not only adds to the historical significance of the Mahalaxmi Temple but also underscores the importance of meticulous conservation efforts in preserving India's cultural heritage. Further excavations may reveal more insights into the temple's original design and construction.
