14th-century goddess idol found near Kodiveri anicut
The discovery was made by S. Ravikumar, Head of the Department of Tamil, K. Kanagaraj, Assistant Professor, and M. Varshini, a third-year student of Kaamadhenu Arts and Science College, Sathyamangalam. The idol depicts the goddess with eight arms, holding a spear and trampling a human figure underfoot. The sculpture has fierce eyes and unusually large ears and was found buried in river sand.
Government Museum Curator B. Jency, who was informed of the discovery, visited the spot on Monday (August 18, 2025). She confirmed that the idol dates back to the 14th century and represents the Hindu goddess Nisumba Soodhani. The idol measures 41 cm in height, 28 cm in width, and 3 cm in thickness.
Kodiveri Village Administrative Officer S. Saravanan was informed, and the idol was shifted to the Public Works Department office. The curator said that after completing formalities, the idol would be moved to the museum, where a detailed study would be carried out.
It is said that the Cholas worshipped the deity before going to war, as they believed she was the goddess of victory.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
7 hours ago
- First Post
Meet Bhanu Attri, the first-ever Hindu chaplain of the British Royal Navy
Bhanu Attri, a 39-year-old from Himachal Pradesh, has become the Royal Navy's first Hindu and non-Christian chaplain. Attri, who grew up in Himachal Pradesh before moving to the UK, will be offering spiritual support to fellow naval officers based on the tenets of Hinduism Bhanu Attri underwent six weeks of officer training, which included sea survival exercises and four weeks aboard the warship HMS Iron Duke. Image courtesy: X A pandit from Himachal Pradesh has made history by becoming the Royal Navy's first-ever Hindu chaplain. Bhanu Attri, 39, who grew up in the hill state before moving to the UK's Essex, formally passed out of the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth last week. His appointment is not just a first for the Hindu community; he is also the Royal Navy's first non-Christian chaplain. Attri was among 148 new officers and two chaplains who completed their training and proudly passed out together. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, who is Bhanu Attri? What will his role look like in the Navy? And why was he chosen for this important position? Here's a closer look. First, who is a chaplain? In the Royal Navy, chaplains are there to provide religious guidance, pastoral care, and moral support to anyone in service, no matter what their faith may be. Whether on a ship, a submarine, or at a base, their role is to be a source of comfort and counsel for those who need it. As a Hindu priest with decades of experience leading a temple in London, Attri will also bring his own traditions into the role. Alongside general support, he will conduct Hindu prayer ceremonies for personnel who follow the faith. Today, there are about 40 Hindus serving full-time in the Royal Navy, along with another 30 in the Maritime Reserves. Across the UK military as a whole, more than 1,550 Hindus are serving full-time, with the majority in the army. Who is Bhanu Attri? At 39, Bhanu Attri completed his training journey that was unlike that of most naval cadets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He underwent six weeks of officer training, which included sea survival exercises and four weeks aboard the warship HMS Iron Duke. This was followed by three weeks of specialised training that focused solely on the duties of a military chaplain. Like all cadets, Attri then joined the intensive 29-week programme at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth. The training covered everything from leadership and naval history to seafaring, survival, and teamwork. Like all cadets, Attri then joined the intensive 29-week programme at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth. PTI Beyond classrooms and parade grounds, cadets spent time on Dartmoor tackling leadership exercises, sailed aboard operational warships, and trained with specialist Vahana boats on the River Dart and the English Channel. The programme culminated in the ceremonial passing-out parade, where families, friends, and senior naval leaders watched cadets being recognised as the 'leaders of tomorrow.' Reflecting on his journey, Attri said, 'As a Hindu brought up in India, the chance to represent individuals from other diverse religions brings meaningful representation for the Hindu community and reflects the Navy's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and spiritual care for all.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added: 'My family feels immense pride, a pride grounded in generations of faith, service, and resilience.' Why was Attri selected for the role? The Hindu Council UK (HCUK) welcomed his appointment, noting that Attri had been proposed as an ideal candidate after meeting a demanding set of criteria. These included personal fitness, both physical and mental, a principled approach to faith and philosophy, pastoral and reflective qualities, and a strong educational background equivalent to a Hindu scriptural degree. His years of experience in leadership, his ability to foster interfaith relations, and his fluency in English made him an especially strong fit for the Navy's chaplaincy. 'The training can be arduous, requiring medical fitness standards and readiness for duty 24/7 at short notice,' explained Anil Bhanot, HCUK's advisor to the Ministry of Defence. He added that Attri's appointment could encourage more young British Hindus to explore careers in the military. 'Although our spiritual bhoomi (land) is India, our karmabhoomi is the United Kingdom — and the MoD represents our protective arm,' he said. Back home, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated Attri on his achievement, calling it a matter of pride not only for the state but also for the entire country. सोलन ज़िला के गढ़खल निवासी भानु अत्री जी को ब्रिटेन की रॉयल नेवी में हिंदू चैप्लेन (पादरी) के रूप में चयनित होने पर हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएँ। भानु अत्री जी पहले भारतीय हैं, जिन्हें ब्रिटेन की रॉयल नेवी में यह गौरवपूर्ण दायित्व मिला है। उनकी यह उपलब्धि हिमाचल के साथ-साथ पूरे… — Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) August 18, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In an X post, Sukhu said, 'Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Bhanu Atri ji, a resident of Garhkhal in Solan district, on being selected as a Hindu chaplain (pastor) in the British Royal Navy. Bhanu Atri ji is the first Indian to receive this prestigious responsibility in the British Royal Navy. His achievement is a matter of pride and inspiration not only for Himachal but for the entire country.' With input from agencies
The Hindu
7 hours ago
- The Hindu
14th-century goddess idol found near Kodiveri anicut
A 14th-century stone idol of goddess Nisumba Soodhani was found partially buried in the sand of River Bhavani near the Kodiveri anicut recently. The discovery was made by S. Ravikumar, Head of the Department of Tamil, K. Kanagaraj, Assistant Professor, and M. Varshini, a third-year student of Kaamadhenu Arts and Science College, Sathyamangalam. The idol depicts the goddess with eight arms, holding a spear and trampling a human figure underfoot. The sculpture has fierce eyes and unusually large ears and was found buried in river sand. Government Museum Curator B. Jency, who was informed of the discovery, visited the spot on Monday (August 18, 2025). She confirmed that the idol dates back to the 14th century and represents the Hindu goddess Nisumba Soodhani. The idol measures 41 cm in height, 28 cm in width, and 3 cm in thickness. Kodiveri Village Administrative Officer S. Saravanan was informed, and the idol was shifted to the Public Works Department office. The curator said that after completing formalities, the idol would be moved to the museum, where a detailed study would be carried out. It is said that the Cholas worshipped the deity before going to war, as they believed she was the goddess of victory.
India Today
9 hours ago
- India Today
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Puja timings, visarjan date and rituals
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity, this festival brings together families, communities, and entire cities in devotion and 2025, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 27. Devotees across India will install beautifully crafted idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and pandals, offering prayers, sweets, and flowers during the 10-day CHATURTHI 2025 DATE AND MUHURATGanesh Chaturthi Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat: 11:12 am to 01:40 pmDuration: 2 hours 28 minutesChaturthi Tithi Begins: 01:54 pm on August 26, 2025Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 03:44 pm on August 27, 2025The Madhyahna (midday) period is considered the most auspicious time for Ganesh Puja since it is believed that Lord Ganesha was born during this time. Devotees are encouraged to perform the Ganesh Sthapana (idol installation) and Puja rituals within this OF AVOIDING MOON SIGHTINGOn the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees avoid sighting the moon due to a well-known belief from Hindu scriptures. According to legend, seeing the moon on this day can bring Mithya Dosha, leading to false accusations and to avoid moon sighting on Aug 26: 01:54 pm to 08:43 pmTime to avoid moon sighting on Aug 27: 09:16 am to 09:20 pmGANESH VISARJAN 2025Ganesh Chaturthi culminates with Ganesh Visarjan on Saturday, September 6, 2025. On this day, idols of Lord Ganesha are carried out in grand processions, accompanied by music and dance, and immersed in rivers, lakes, or the immersion ritual signifies the cycle of birth and dissolution, reminding devotees of the impermanence of life and the importance of spiritual CHATURTHI MUHURAT IN MAJOR CITIESThe Madhyahna Puja Muhurat may slightly vary depending on location. Here are the timings for key cities in India:Mumbai: 11:24 am – 01:55 pmNew Delhi: 11:05 am – 01:40 pmPune: 11:21 am – 01:51 pmChennai: 10:56 am – 01:25 pmJaipur: 11:11 am – 01:45 pmHyderabad: 11:02 am – 01:33 pmGurgaon: 11:06 am – 01:40 pmChandigarh: 11:07 am – 01:42 pmKolkata: 10:22 am – 12:54 pmBengaluru: 11:07 am – 01:36 pmAhmedabad: 11:25 am – 01:57 pmNoida: 11:05 am – 01:39 pmRITUALS AND CELEBRATIONSSthapana (Idol Installation): Families and communities bring home idols or set them up in decorated and Offerings: Devotees chant mantras, perform aarti, and offer modaks, which are believed to be Lord Ganesha's favourite Festivities: Music, dance, and plays depicting the life of Lord Ganesha are organised across The immersion on Anant Chaturdashi marks the conclusion of the festival with chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!'Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a religious event, but also a cultural festival that unites people in faith and celebration. By observing the right puja timings, avoiding inauspicious practices, and embracing the deeper meaning of the rituals, devotees can ensure blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and harmony from Lord Ganesha.- Ends
