PANAJI: Important archaeological relics dating to the 14th-16th centuries have been discovered during restoration work at the sacred site of Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple in Divar, indicating the existence of an ancient temple complex and a sacred corridor.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in a social media post, said the relics and remains were found along the old pathway between Koti Tirth and Madhavachi Talli.
Among the significant discoveries are a Kirtimukh motif traditionally carved above temple doorways, a carved capital of a temple pillar and portions of Dev Khostam, used for placing idols.
The variety of stone typologies and temple motifs points to successive reconstructions of the temple during the Vijayanagar period, following the destruction of an earlier temple believed to belong to the Kadamba period.
“These successive era temple relics are an important archaeological discovery that strengthens the historical chronology and sacred legacy of this ancient site in Goa. Our Government remains committed to preserving, restoring and bringing Goa’s rich civilisational heritage to light,” said Sawant.
