A meticulous restoration project at a lesser-known 10th-century Chola temple in the Thanjavur district has led to the unexpected discovery of three high-quality bronze icons. The statues, depicting Lord Skanda and his consorts, were found hidden within a small brick vault beneath the temple's Ardha-mandapa. These bronzes are praised for their 'lost-wax' craftsmanship, characteristic of the early Imperial Chola period.
Conservationists are currently working to stabilize the icons while the temple's granite walls are being treated for salt efflorescence. This discovery highlights the potential for finding hidden treasures within established heritage sites and underscores the importance of the ongoing efforts to document and preserve the rural shrines of the Chola heartland.