Two Bhagwan Vishnu murtis were excavated in two states of Bharat in the last ten days. In Maharashtra’s Buldhana, ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) unearthed a Bhagwan Sheshshayi Vishnu murti on 20 June. ASI discovered a murti of Sri Hari Vishnu in Bhojshala Mandir in Madhya Pradesh’s (MP) Dhar District on 24 June.

Sheshshayi Vishnu murti unearthed in Buldhana, Maharashtra

During an excavation in Sindkhed Raja town, Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, the ASI uncovered an intricate and detailed Sheshshayi Vishnu murti, according to an official statement released on Sunday (23 June).

Superintendent Archaeologist of Nagpur Circle, Arun Malik, reported that the sculpture was discovered at a depth of 2.25 meters. The find occurred during the Lakhuji Jadhavrao’s Chhatri conservation work when a team of experts noticed some stone alignments. Further digging revealed a temple base. After exposing the sabha mandap, the team decided to investigate the temple’s depth, which led to the discovery of Mata Laxmi vigraha. Eventually, a large Sheshshayi Vishnu murti was unearthed. The sculpture measures 1.70 meters in length and 1 meter in height and is expected to have a base width of 30 centimetres, which is yet to be fully exposed.

“The sculpture is carved from chlorite schist rock, a material commonly used by the Hoysalas of South India,” Malik explained. “It depicts Vishnu reclining on Shesha Naga, with goddess Laxmi massaging his feet while seated on a cushion. The sculpture also portrays the Samudramanthan, featuring jewels like Ashwa and Airavat.”

Malik highlighted the detailed panel, which includes depictions of Dashavatara, Samudramanthan, and Sri Hari Vishnu reclining, as a unique feature of this find.

Iconography expert Saili Palande-Datar noted that the schist stone used in this vigraha is softer than the basalt rock typically found locally. She added that similar sculptures found in Marathwada were made from basalt rock. She pointed out the prominent depiction of the donor couple between Sheshnaag and Samudramanthan as a distinctive element of this sculpture. Palande-Datar emphasized that this sculpture would be a significant piece in any future art museum in Maharashtra.

ASI discovers Bhagwan Vishnu murti in Bhojshala Mandir, MP

On Monday (24 June), a team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered a vigraha of Bhagwan Vishnu in the northeastern part of the Bhojshala complex in MP’s Dhar district.

A Hindu petitioner, Gopal Sharma, revealed that the ASI team had previously uncovered statues of Sri Krishna, Bhagwan Bholenath, and the seven-faced Bhagwan Basukinathi from the same area of Bhojshala. Speaking to news agency ANI, Sharma stated, “Following the High Court’s directions, the ASI team initiated their survey on 22 March. This marks the 95th day of the survey. A team of eight officials and 32 labourers surveyed the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) and the northeastern part of Bhojshala. Today, while photographing the Garbhagriha, they found a statue of Lord Vishnu. Previously, statues of Lord Krishna, Lord Bholenath, and seven-faced Lord Basukinathi were also discovered. The ASI has now taken the statue of Lord Vishnu under their surveillance.”

The ASI began their survey of the Bhojshala/Kamal Maula Mosque complex, located in the tribal-dominated Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, on 22 March, making preparations to use carbon-dating equipment. Hindus consider this medieval-era monument a temple dedicated to Devi Vagdevi (Saraswati), while the Muslim community regards it as the Kamal Maula Mosque.

On 11 March, the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered the ASI to form an expert committee to “complete scientific investigation, survey, and excavation, using the latest methods and techniques” and submit a report within six weeks. During the next hearing on 29 April, the ASI requested more time, and the court granted an additional eight weeks from 29 April for the survey, stipulating that no further extensions would be allowed to comply with the 11 March order.

The ASI has been instructed to submit a comprehensive report by 2 July 2024. The next court hearing is scheduled for 4 July.

As per a 2003 arrangement, Hindus can perform puja at the complex on Tuesdays from sunrise to sunset, while Muslims offer namaz on Fridays from 1 pm to 3 pm.

(Featured Image Source: Deccan Herald)