16 hours ago
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.
