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Conservation of 13th-Century 'Yadava' Step-Temple in Nashik Unearths Unique Agricultural and Astronomical Friezes

📅 April 6, 2026 📰 The Cultural Heritage Post
Conservation of 13th-Century 'Yadava' Step-Temple in Nashik Unearths Unique Agricultural and Astronomical Friezes

Ongoing conservation efforts at a 13th-century 'Yadava' style step-temple in Nashik have revealed a series of friezes that depict ancient agricultural cycles and astronomical constellations. These carvings were found on the inner walls of the temple's stepwell, where water levels had previously prevented detailed study. The Hemadpanti-style architecture of the temple remains remarkably intact, showcasing the dry-masonry techniques characteristic of the Yadava period.

The conservation team is focusing on desilting the lower levels of the temple to reveal more of the narrative panels. Researchers believe these friezes served as a seasonal guide for local farmers, linking religious rituals with the lunar calendar. This discovery places the temple at the center of community life, serving as both a spiritual and a practical scientific resource for the medieval population.

Original source: The Cultural Heritage Post