Evidence of the existence ofa sect of Shaivism during theKakatiya rule has come tolight during a survey and ex-ploratory work conductedrecently by the Archaeologi-cal Survey of India in a tem-ple in Mahabubabad districtof Telangana.

A life-size portrait of adedicated worshipper ofLord Siva carved on granitestone was discovered in acorner of Sri Agastisvaras-wamy temple complex atAbbayapalem village in Ma-ripeda Mandal of thedistrict.

Superintending Archaeol-ogist in Temple Survey Pro-ject (Southern Region, ASI)D. Kanna Babu chanced

upon this proof of Lamudi-galam — a school of Shaivismprevalent from the 11th Cen-tury A.D. to 13th CenturyA.D.

The man on the graniteslab is seen in a vertical posi-

tion, his hands folded inworship. The facial featuresare oval, distinguished bywide open eyes and an elon-gated nose. A small Shivalin-ga with pitha is adorned byhim on his head.

Unique imageThe uniqueness of the imageis that a label inscription inTelugu (from 12th CenturyA.D.) is engraved on the topof the sculptural frame andends at the bottom.

The script is self-explana-tory: ‘I aff��ectionately adorethe Linga placed on my headand tied with my hair.’

Wearing a Shivalinga onthe head was considered themost pious act for an ardentdevotee of Lord Siva in thethe Kakatiya regime.

Proof of Shaivism sect inKakatiya-era comes to lightSlab depicts person with a Shivalinga and pitha on his head Ramesh SusarlaANANTAPUR

A sculpture of Lamudigalamsect worshipper.