During structural reinforcement at a 12th-century Shiva temple in Telangana’s Nirmal district, conservationists discovered two sealed subterranean vaults beneath the main mandapa. Upon opening the chambers, experts found the air still faintly scented with sandalwood, attributed to several intact sandalwood-cored granite pillars and ritual pots containing ancient resin and essential oils used for abhisheka (ritual bathing).
The restoration project, led by the State Department of Heritage, has also uncovered a series of rare bronze lamps featuring intricate 'Nagabandha' designs. These findings suggest that the temple was a center for specialized esoteric rituals that utilized aromatic therapy alongside Vedic chanting. The vaults will now be preserved as a site-museum within the temple complex.