During the ongoing restoration of a 12th-century Hoysala-era Vishnu temple in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka, conservationists discovered a series of hidden inscriptions on the underside of the main dome. These carvings depict a complex Sudarshana Chakra surrounded by 108 micro-inscriptions in Old Kannada, detailing the specific rituals and astronomical alignments required for the temple’s consecration.
The restoration team used laser cleaning technology to remove centuries of soot and lime-wash, revealing the original black schist (soapstone) surface and the incredibly fine craftsmanship for which the Hoysala Empire is famed. The inscriptions are particularly valuable as they provide a rare historical record of the Sthapatis (architects) who designed the structure, including their ancestral lineage.
State archaeology officials noted that these findings suggest the temple served as a significant regional center for mathematical and astronomical study. The restoration project, funded by a public-private partnership, aims to stabilize the structural foundation while preserving the newly discovered epigraphic evidence for future academic research.