A Shiva lingam which is estimated to date back to the 14th or 15th century has been unearthed at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple in Andhra Pradesh.

Accompanying the lingam was an inscription in Telugu script, believed to be from the same period. It has been reported that the lingam and inscription were discovered during the construction of a new road and support wall near the temple. Upon finding these historical artefacts, construction workers informed the temple authorities. Subsequently, the lingam and inscription were sent to the Mysore Archaeology Department for further analysis. Preliminary examinations suggest that the lingam was installed by Kampilayya, a disciple of the prominent regional saint Siddhadeva.

The discovery has thrilled temple authorities and devotees alike, marking it as a significant find in the temple's history. The construction work has been temporarily halted, and the area has been cordoned off to facilitate further examination and preservation of the lingam and inscription.

Also known as the Srisailam Temple, the religious site is dedicated to Shiva and Parvati and is significant to the Hindu sects of both Shaivism and Shaktism. Shiva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna and is represented by the lingam while Parvati is depicted as Bhramaramba. The temple makes up one of 12 “Jyotirlingas” of Shiva and one of 18 “Shakti Pithas” in the country.

This is not the first time that an ancient lingam has been found in the Srisailam Temple. During the renovation of the Panchamatha temples, a Chaturmukha lingam was discovered in the same place, alongside several copper plates and silver coins. These findings underscore the temple's historical importance and its continuous religious significance through the centuries.

(With inputs from multiple news sources)