Centuries-Old Vishnu Idol, Shivling Unearthed During Bridge Construction in Karnataka

centuries-old vishnu idol, shivling unearthed during bridge construction in karnataka

Officials reported on Wednesday that a Vishnu idol and a Shivling, both centuries-old, were discovered in the bed of the Krishna River near the border of Telangana and Karnataka. The find occurred during bridge construction in Raichur, Karnataka, and it is estimated that these artifacts could be around 1,000 years old, as stated by NDTV.

Notably, the Vishnu idol bears a striking resemblance to the Ram Lalla statue recently installed at the newly inaugurated Ram temple in Ayodhya. Crafted by Arun Yogiraj, a renowned sculptor from the state, the Vishnu idol stands in a dynamic pose surrounded by depictions of the ten avatars.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) now holds possession of these recovered relics for comprehensive study. Following the safe retrieval of the idols from the river, the crew promptly notified local authorities.

“This idol exhibits numerous distinctive features. Crafted on a pedestal with a radiant aura surrounding it, the sculpture accommodates representations of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, including Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki,” said Padmaja Desai, Lecturer, Ancient History and Archaeology, according to India Today.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Sculptor

In a special ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot bestowed honours upon Arun Yogiraj for his outstanding craftsmanship in crafting the impressive idol of Rama Lalla. The idol gained significant recognition following its consecration at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, an event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Yogiraj disclosed that he purposefully secluded himself from the outside world for an extended duration, completely immersing himself in the artistry of crafting the idol of Lord Ram.

Discussing the hurdles he faced during this artistic journey, Yogiraj emphasised the challenge of capturing the innocence inherent in portraying a child, a crucial element in depicting the infant Lord Ram. To overcome this obstacle, he devoted considerable time to interacting with children and engaged in disciplined, focused work with the stone.

The ceremony at Raj Bhavan served as a tribute to Arun Yogiraj’s artistic skill and his role in creating the grand Rama Lalla idol now displayed in the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.