Dropping water levels in the Almatti Reservoir have revealed the majestic stone shikhara (tower) of a 12th-century temple. Architectural analysis identifies the structure as a Late-Chalukya masterpiece, featuring the characteristic miniature towers and ornate carvings of the era. This is the first time in over a decade that the temple has surfaced completely, allowing heritage enthusiasts and archaeologists a brief window to document its condition.
The temple was submerged during the construction of the dam in the late 20th century. While the prolonged underwater exposure has eroded some of the finer details, the structural integrity of the main shrine remains surprisingly sound. Local heritage groups are calling for a digital mapping of the structure before water levels rise again with the upcoming monsoon season.