Ancient temple found in Andhra’s Nellore

Nellore, June 20 (HS)An ancient temple of Lord Nageswara (Shiva) was found on Tuesday in Nellore, Andha Pradesh. The discovery was made while mining sand in Penna river near Peramalla Padu village in Chejarla Mandal.

Locals felt that this was one of the 101 temples built by Lord Parasu Ram on the banks of Penna river. Some youths, who had returned home from various places due to the lockdown, took up sand excavation to unearth the temple. The locals estimated the age of the temple to be about 200 years-old.

The officials of the Archaeology Department said that the temple could have submerged and then buried as river Penna changed its course. The structure could have gone under water after the 1850 floods.

The locals wanted to continue the sand excavation, but the authorities stopped them saying that this could damage the structure. Archaeology Assistant Director Ramasubba Reddy said the higher officials would inspect the site soon and decide on the excavation and preservation works.

People from Perumalla Padu and surrounding villages are thronging the place to see the temple and worship. A few policemen were deployed to guard the site.