Archaeologists working in the dense, high-altitude forests of the Sahyadri Range have uncovered a remarkably preserved 10th-century temple belonging to the Shilahara dynasty. Unlike the granite or basalt structures typically found in the region, this shrine is constructed primarily from volcanic tuff, allowing for intricate, delicate carvings that have survived centuries of monsoon erosion. The discovery is significant as it represents a previously unknown architectural variation of the Konkan Shilahara school, blending maritime and mountain motifs.
The temple's central sanctum houses a rare Dashavatara relief, where the figures are depicted in unique poses suggestive of local tribal influence. Excavations around the base have also revealed a series of terracotta lamps and copper votive offerings, indicating the site was a major pilgrimage hub for ancient trade guilds moving between the Deccan Plateau and the Arabian Sea coast. Restoration experts are currently assessing the structural stability of the tuff stone before opening the site to the public.