Oldest Durga temple unearthed

Vijayawada: Is there any other oldest Durga temple, recognised by archaeologists as the first temple in Vijayawada city? The answer is yes.

According to CEO of Cultural Centre of Vijayawada and Amaravati (CCVA) and Sthapathi Dr Sivanagi Reddy, also an archaeologist, confirmed that the rock-cut cave, which was unearthed at Mogalrajapuram in the city recently, was the earliest shrine dedicated to Durga-Mahishasuramardhini, dated back to fifth century AD and at least 500 years older than the present Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri in the city.

As per the findings, the rock-cut shrine called ‘Mahishasuramardhini’ cave located exactly opposite the main gate of PB Siddhartha Degree College at Moghalrajpuram; on either side of the façade are small niches in which the Hindu trinity viz., Brahma, Shiva (in Linga form) and Vishnu idols are carved on the right side and a figure of Durga standing on the neck of the buffalo on the left side.

Interestingly, after proceeding further from the pillars of the façade, the interior of the cave shows a square front mandapam with a doorway leading to a square garbhagriha measuring 1.50 mts on all the sides and with a height of 1.75 mts.

A pedestal projecting the back wall has a shallow relief of Durga standing on Mahisha’s head with her mount (vehicle) the lion shown by her side, the face looking forward and with the right leg of Durga placed upon the head of Mahisha and her two hands akimbo with the Sula shown as emerging from behind the Lion’s head.

Presently, the oldest temple is being treated by the public as a hill cave only as the citizens and college students visit the location as a normal tourist spot.