Rare Gajalakshmi sculpture from Rashtrakuta period found in neglect in Telangana’s Medak

A rare Gajalakshmi sculpture from the ninth-century Rashtrakuta period has been discovered in poor condition at Yanagandla village in Telangana's Medak district, according to historians. The sculpture, carved from black granite, depicts Goddess Lakshmi seated in Padmasana, holding lotus flowers in both hands, while elephants anoint her.

A unique feature of the sculpture is the depiction of the churning of the ocean, or Samudra Manthan, involving gods and demons above the Gajalakshmi figure. The reverse side of the sculpture also features a remarkable carving of Lord Shiva as a 12-armed Nataraja performing the Ananda Tandava, with Brahma and Vishnu seated on either side.

The sculpture has been described as a masterpiece of the Rashtrakuta period, and heritage activists and historians have urged villagers to protect and preserve it for future generations.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Hindu's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.