In the Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu, local archaeologists have discovered a hidden subterranean shrine dedicated to the goddess Pratyangira. The chamber was found during foundation stabilization work on a 9th-century Early Chola temple. The shrine contains a monolithic granite idol of the lion-faced goddess, surrounded by rare esoteric inscriptions.
The discovery is significant as it sheds light on the lesser-known Tantric traditions that co-existed with mainstream Shaivite worship during the Chola period. The chamber also contained ritual copper plates detailing a forgotten set of protective rites performed for the royal lineage.