Bhopal: Panna, Madhya Pradesh, renowned for its diamonds, lakes, and ancient temples, has recently revealed another layer of its historical richness. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in a surprising discovery, has commenced excavation in the Chaumukhnath temple complex in Nachna Kuthara village, unearthing buried treasures that astounded even ASI officials.
ASI has commenced excavation in Chaumukhnath temple complex in Nachna Kuthara village in MP’s Panna district, unearthing buried treasures that astounded even ASI officials.
Remnants of oldest temple unearthed
In the initial phase of excavation, remnants of the oldest temple and a Shivalinga have been unearthed, suggesting the existence of a monastery dating back potentially to the first to fifth century. This discovery hints at the possibility of uncovering more ancient temples and artifacts as the ASI continues its excavations.
Notably, ASI identified eight mounds within the Chaumukhnath temple complex, an ancient fifth-century temple in Nachna Kuthara village, Panna district. The ongoing excavations, which began on March 4th, have focused on two mounds, revealing remains of a Shiva temple and a Shivalinga.
Shivalinga could possibly be the oldest in country
Archaeologists speculate that the Parvati temple, believed to have existed during the Gupta period in the fifth century, might have been located here. The findings of the Shivalinga and temple remnants could potentially date back to the first to fifth century, marking them as possibly the oldest in the country. ASI, alongside its meticulous excavation process supervised by department employees, ensures the protection of government property.
Village’s rich historical legacy
Leading the excavation efforts is the team from the Jabalpur Archaeology Department, with Nachna village being of significant archaeological importance. The Parvati temple, approximately 1600 years old, and the Chaumukh Nath temple from the seventh century are testament to the village’s rich historical legacy.
Panna Collector Suresh Kumar affirmed discussions with ASI officials regarding the ongoing excavation in the Chaumukhnath temple. ASI’s exploration aims to uncover temples and remains spanning from the second to fifth century, with cooperation extended from local authorities.
Site may reveal more about ancient heritage
Situated within 30 meters of the Gupta period Parvati temple, the excavation site holds historical significance, being close to the Chaumukhi Temple built during the Kala Churi Dynasty (6th-7th centuries).
Less than 100 kilometers from Khajuraho, the site promises to reveal more about India’s ancient architectural heritage, with excavations underway in hopes of discovering temples predating the Gupta period.
