Excavations in the Amreli district of Gujarat have uncovered the foundations of a rare 7th-century temple belonging to the Maitraka dynasty. Dedicated specifically to Goddess Shashthi, the deity associated with child protection and family welfare, the shrine features unique terracotta narrative panels that illustrate ancient nursery rituals and domestic scenes.
Archaeologists consider this a landmark find, as it is one of the few dedicated shrines for this specific goddess found from the early medieval period in Western India. The temple's preservation is credited to layers of silt that shielded the delicate brickwork and sculptures from historical environmental damage.