In India, villagers on their own initiative have found and excavated an ancient temple that has been under a layer of sand for the past 80 years.
According to Ani News, residents of the village of Peramalla Padu, located in the eastern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, made the real archaeological discovery.
They excavated a Hindhu temple dedicated to the god Nageshvara - one of the incarnations of the supreme god Shiva. This sanctuary was well known several generations ago. It is believed to have been built about 200 years ago when India was part of the British Empire.
This temple was very popular. Locals have used it for over a century. However, about 75-80 years ago, the temple disappeared and the locals were forced to build a sanctuary elsewhere.
The elders told the villagers that the temple disappeared when the local river Penna changed its course. The sanctuary was completely buried under a layer of silt and sand. This happened so quickly that the locals did not have time not only to save the temple itself, but also to take the relics out of it.
And only now, on their own initiative, the villagers have excavated the temple. For this, a fundraising was announced. Many agreed to work for free. It took only one day to excavate the structure. By the way, during the excavation, residents came across a statue of Shiva. The find has already interested scientists.
In Hinduism, a temple is the abode of the gods. According to legend, the sanctuary found under the river sand and silt was consecrated by the god Parasurama himself. In Hinduism, it is accepted that believers worship an aspect or avatar of a god.
Shiva is one of the most important Hindu gods and the main deity in Shaivism. His followers are known as Shaivites. They believe that Shiva created the world. In Indian religious art, this god is often depicted with a third eye.