6 days ago
1400-year-old ancient Hindu idols and Shivlings discovered during a spring restoration project in Kashmir
During spring restoration in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, ancient Hindu relics surfaced. The discovery includes idols and Shivlings at Karkoot Nag spring. The site is linked to the Karkoota dynasty. The Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums took custody of the items. The relics will be studied at the SPS Museum in Srinagar. Locals hope for preservation and temple restoration.
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Ancient Hindu idols and Shivlings were discovered during excavation work for a spring restoration project in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials confirmed on to PTI, the relics were unearthed at the Karkoot Nag spring in the Salia area of Aishmuqam, approximately 16 kilometres from the district headquarters. The site holds historical importance for the Kashmiri Pandit community and is believed to be linked to the Karkoota dynasty, which ruled Kashmir between 625 and 855 engaged in the revival project, led by the Public Works Department , found the artefacts during routine the discovery, officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums visited the location and took custody of the recovered items. A department official told PTI, "The idols and sculptures will be sent to the SPS Museum in Srinagar, where research scholars and department experts will study them to determine their age and historical context."A local Kashmiri Pandit told PTI that the region has historical links to the Karkoota dynasty and suggested that a temple might have once stood at the site or that the idols may have been preserved there intentionally. He also noted that the pond where the idols were found has long been regarded as sacred and a site of pilgrimage.'We want these artefacts to be preserved. We have heard that a temple once stood here. A new temple should be built and the Shivlings reinstalled there,' he the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums has not confirmed any plans to develop the site for religious or heritage tourism, conservation efforts are expected to follow once the evaluation is complete.(With inputs from PTI)