A major restoration project at a dilapidated Shiva temple in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra has led to the discovery of high-relief sandstone carvings depicting the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean). The temple, attributed to the Shilahara dynasty, was partially buried under layers of alluvial soil and overgrown vegetation until conservationists began structural stabilization work earlier this month.
The newly revealed friezes are remarkably well-preserved, showing intricate details of gods and demons pulling the serpent Vasuki. Archaeological experts note that the artistic style bridges the gap between Late Chalukyan and early Yadava traditions, offering a rare glimpse into the regional aesthetic of the 10th-century Konkan coast. The state archaeology department has now expanded the restoration zone to include a newly discovered ritual bathing tank adjacent to the main shrine.