During the structural restoration of a 12th-century Seuna (Yadava) dynasty temple in the Buldhana district, conservationists discovered a hidden subterranean chamber directly beneath the main sanctum. The chamber contains a sophisticated network of stone pipes and traces of metallic mercury, which researchers believe were part of a medieval geothermal cooling system.
This 'mercury-cooled' chamber was likely used to regulate the temperature of the sanctum during the harsh summer months, a testament to the advanced engineering of the Seuna architects. The Maharashtra State Archaeology Department plans to preserve the hydraulic mechanisms while continuing the restoration of the external friezes and the temple's pyramidal roof.