A unique 12th-century step-temple dedicated to the goddess Saraswati has been unearthed during agricultural clearing in northern Telangana. Unlike traditional temples, this structure is built into a natural depression, featuring a tiered descent leading to a subterranean sanctum that remains flooded during monsoon months.
The walls are adorned with intricate carvings of musical instruments and celestial dancers. Experts state that the Kalyani Chalukya influence is evident in the star-shaped plan of the base and the high degree of ornamentation on the soapstone pillars, which have remained remarkably preserved underground.