Rare inscriptions uncovered under Yogini sculptures at Mahalaxmi

Kolhapur: The state archaeological department is set to collaborate with the Epigraphical Society of Mysore to decipher ancient inscriptions recently discovered at the revered Mahalaxmi temple. The texts, written in Devanagari and the rare "Hale Kannada" (Old Kannada) script, were found beneath several of the 64 Yogini sculptures during ongoing conservation work.The department plans to compile and publish all inscriptions—both previously known and newly discovered — into a comprehensive chronological record. This initiative aims to provide a clearer understanding of how the Mahalaxmi temple evolved under various ruling powers, including the Silahara and Yadava dynasties.According to officials, existing inscriptions at the temple already offer glimpses into its storied past. The Seshasayin shrine contains Kannada script from the Silahara dynasty on its mandap beams, while the Hariharesvara shrine features Devanagari inscriptions from the same era. Other records from the Yadava dynasty are found on pillars and slabs in the Navgraha mandap, Mahakali shrine, and Siva shrine.Experts believe the newly discovered texts under the Yogini idols may reveal the names of the deities themselves, or perhaps the names of the kings, donors, and sculptors who contributed to the temple's construction."We will take the help of experts to read the inscriptions found on the stone foundations of the temple," said Vilas Vahane, Assistant Director of the State Archaeology Department. "Hale Kannada, which evolved from the Brahmi script, dates back as far as the 7th and 8th centuries. It is found in very few locations today."Vahane added that once the cleaning process is completed by the end of May, the department will formally invite the Epigraphical Society of Mysore to the site. "Their expertise will help us establish an exact chronology of the temple's development across the ages," he said.The inscriptions came to light as workers removed layers of oil, paint, cement, and modern flooring that had accumulated over decades. This work is part of a massive Rs1,445.9 crore development and conservation project.The temple features traditional Hemadpanthi stone construction, characterised by intricate carvings. The 64 Yogini sculptures are a primary architectural highlight. To preserve these delicate features, experts are using specialized cleaning methods, including sandblasting, to restore the stone to its original state.The department aims to replicate the success of a similar project at the Pandharpur temple, where all inscriptions were successfully documented and prepared for publication with the help of the Mysore-based society.