Archaeologists working in the dense forest tracts of the Anuppur district in Madhya Pradesh have unearthed the remains of a 10th-century Shiva temple. This discovery is particularly significant as it showcases the Dahala architectural style, associated with the Kalachuri of Tripuri dynasty, featuring a unique configuration of eight 'Nandi' (sacred bull) pillars surrounding the central mandapa.
The excavation team from the State Archaeological Department found that the foundation remains largely intact, constructed from local sandstone with intricate friezes depicting scenes from the Shiva Purana. Preliminary analysis of the site suggests that the temple served as a major regional pilgrimage site before it was reclaimed by the forest during the medieval period. Conservationists are now working to stabilize the surviving pillars and protect the delicate relief work from weathering.