Hindus may have left the valley (for the time being) but the valley resonates with their culture
1500-Year Old Hindu Godess Idol Found in Bijbehara
Bijbihara: A rare stone sculpture (idol) of Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi, believed to be over 1500 years old, was evacuated few days back from the village Waghama (Anantnag district) on the right bank of river Vitasta – near Bijbehara, according to deputy director of Archives, Archeology and Museums, Peerzada Muhammad Ashraf.
Ashraf said the farmers stumbled upon the idol when they were digging a field in Waghama, Bijbehara. “They took the idol with them but some villagers tipped the local police who recovered the idol and handed it over to us after legal formalities,” Ashraf said, adding, the experts are studying the idol.
Experts have identified the sculpture as that of Goddess Laxmi, dating back to 5th Century AD. The sculpture measures 7 inches high and 4.5 inches wide and is seen as the most impressive find of the year. “It is a rare idol that depicts the goddess riding a lion while a crocodile rests at her feet,” said an expert wishing anonymity. Another expert said the sculpture depicting Goddess Laxmi on a lotus throne with lion motifs on its either sides is a complete figure with impressive artistic details.
Experts say there has been great influence of Greek culture in areas in and around Bijbehara. Noted historian, Muhammad Yousuf Taing, said that Mehra Kul, a Hindu King, in 4th century AD had donated a huge chunk of land in Bijbehara to Brahmins of Gandhara, Afganistan.
“It is pertinent to mention that a big temple devoted to Vishnu existed till 19th century in Bijbehara. Bijbehra should be declared as a heritage zone with a museum to preserve its rich artifacts given its tremendous historical significance,” various experts said, who criticized the Archeology Survey of India (ASI) which shifted its operations to Jammu under the militancy began in early 1990.
“Our archeological wealth is in ruins due to the neglect by the ASI. Government must take steps to handover the archeological sites to State Archeology department,” said a noted expert.