Ancient remains of Bhandhakalan.
– Photo : Samvad
Expansion
Deity statues from the 7th to 10th century have been found around the huge reservoir located in Bhandhakalan village of Chaubepur area of Varanasi district. The one-faced Shivalinga is said to be from the seventh-eighth century. Whereas the pillar found in the pond is from the 19th century. The Archaeological Department examined it and handed it over to the villagers for conservation. Although the villagers already worship these idols.
Small deity statues have been present for a long time near the banks of Ganga Gomti and near the pond of Sandha Kalan village, three km away from Markandeya Mahadev Temple. This pond has also been selected for beautification under Amrit Sarovar Scheme. But due to encroachment the work is not being done.
Advocate Pawan Pandey of this village had sent a letter to the Chief Minister to get these statues investigated. After this, Subhash Chand Yadav, regional officer of the Archeology Department, examined Lord Vishnu and Shivalinga. Its report was sent to the government.
He told that the remains of these deity idols are from 9th-12th century and the one-faced Shivalinga is from 7th-8th century. Whereas the pillar present in the pond is nine feet in height and four feet in diameter. Based on the inscription on it, it is 19th century.
Subhash Chand Yadav said that there is a need to conserve these statues. However the villagers worship the Ekmukhi Shivalinga as Swayambhu Tripurari Mahadev. There are preparations to build a temple here.
