Karnataka: Centuries-old Hindu religious artefacts discovered from Krishna riverbed

Officials have announced the recovery of ancient Hindu artefacts, including a Vishnu idol and a Shivling, from the riverbed of the Krishna river in Raichur, near the Telangana-Karnataka border. A recent bridge construction activity on the riverbed led to the discovery. It is speculated that the artefacts could be over 1,000 years old.

The recovered artefacts, now under the possession of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), hold significant historical and religious value. Of particular note is the Vishnu idol, which bears a striking resemblance to the features of the revered Ram Lalla statue installed at the recently inaugurated Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The Vishnu idol, which is in a standing position, comes with an aura depicting the ten avatars, adding to its historical and artistic significance. This discovery not only sheds light on the rich cultural heritage of the region but also underscores the importance of preserving and studying such artefacts for future generations. As experts continue to analyse and interpret these findings, they provide valuable insights into ancient Hindu civilization and its artistic traditions.

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According to Hindu mythology, the Krishna River is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, resulting from a curse on the trimurtis by Savitri (also known as Saraswati). It is revered as one of the sacred rivers of India, akin to the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers, and is named after Lord Krishna. Puranic texts suggest that taking a ritual dip in the Krishna River can cleanse individuals of their past sins and impurities, emphasising its significance in spiritual purification.


Devotees of Krishna also believe that a big part of his adult life was spent on the banks of Krishna River. Krishna is said to have performed numerous divine miracles on the banks of the Krishna River. These miraculous deeds include lifting the Govardhan Hill, defeating the demon Bakasura, and freeing the serpent Kaliya from its malevolent influence.

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Historically speaking, the Krishna River basin has been home to several ancient civilizations, including the Vedic period and the Satavahana, Vijayanagara, and Kakatiya empires. These civilisations flourished along the banks of the river, utilising its waters for agriculture, trade, and religious rituals.