Rare Chalukyan sculptures cry for restoration

Vijayawada: A group of ancient Chalukyan sculptures, dating back to the seventh century CE, are languishing in neglect at Panchalingala village in Kurnool district, according to noted archaeologist and CEO of Pleach India Foundation, Dr E Sivanagireddy.
As part of the foundation's heritage awareness campaign titled "Preserve Heritage for Posterity," Dr Reddy visited Panchalingala, a village situated on the left bank of the Tungabhadra river, on Thursday. During his visit, he observed a collection of rare sculptures stacked haphazardly in a corner inside the historic Panchalingeswara temple.
He pointed out that the floor of the temple lies around 4 feet below ground level, a result of frequent flooding over the centuries.
The temple itself features a panavatta (pedestal) bearing five Shiva lingas arranged in a row — an extremely rare configuration not commonly found in either of the Telugu states.
Among the neglected sculptures found inside the temple were finely carved images of Mahishasuramardhini, Ganesha, Surya, and Saptamatrika. Dr Reddy urged the temple authorities and local villagers to relocate these sculptures from inside the sanctum and display them prominently on appropriate pedestals in front of the temple, complete with historical signage.
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Such a move, he said, would benefit both visitors and scholars interested in the region's cultural history.
He also drew attention to a unique, double-storied four-pillared mandapa from the Chalukyan era, located to the right of the temple entrance, which is similarly in a dilapidated state and in urgent need of preservation.
Dr Reddy stressed that the rare Panchalingeswara temple holds immense potential to be developed as a significant tourist and pilgrimage destination.
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