Ancient Hindu Temple, buried in sand, unearthed by youths in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh

The ancient temple of Sri Nageswara Swamy, which had been buried in the sand for almost eight decades, was discovered by the villagers of Perumallapadu, Chejarala Mandal, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh on 16th June, 2020.

Ancient Hindu Temple, buried in sand, unearth by youths in Nellore

According to the villagers, some residents found small temple foundations when they had recently started sand excavations. Youngsters and other locals then approached the village elders and asked about the temple.Village elders informed them that a few decades ago, the Penna River had been flooded during the rainy season, and the temple had gradually been covered by sand dunes and had completely disappeared.

This temple is located in Andhra Padres, in the Perumallapadu Village, in Nallore. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, as Nageshwara. After the Penna River changed course, this 200 year old temple got covered under the Penna River sands. Some of the village older residents tell memories and stories when the temple was above ground as open for worship. After the Penna River changed course, the villagers moved their village to the other side.

One of the villagers started unearthing this temple reaching, finding the Mukha Mantapam. The sanctum sanctorum is much deeper, more work will be done to bring out Lord Shiva statue, and check its condition. The man that started the digging of this more than 300 year old temple, will ask the priests and other villagers, for advice about this work of digging out this temple. We wish these villagers much success in bring out this ancient temple.

After the inspection of the temple on 17th June, 2020, State Archaeology Assistant Director Mr. Ramasubba Reddy said, the excavation project will start including all treatment so that the structure is not damaged. After gaining approval from the higher-ups, the exercise will be carried out.