Rare Sculpture of Bejjamahadevi Identified

WARANGAL: In Bejjora village of Bheemgal mandal in Nizamabad district, members of the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam (KTCB) on Sunday identified a rare 13th-century sculpture of Bejjamaahadevi, drawn from Palkuriki Somana’s Basava Purana. The icon, enshrined in the village temple, shows the goddess cradling a child — interpreted by KTCB member K. Rajeshwar as her nurturing of a youthful Shiva, a portrayal that deepens her spiritual role within Veerashaiva traditions.

“This identification brings a rare dimension to the study of Basava literature and associated iconography,” Rajeshwar told Deccan Chronicle.

The temple complex also contains several Shaiva and Chalukya-era relics: a striking Chamundi sculpture, a devotee of Shiva, two distinct Ganesha idols, a rare Shanmukha (Kartikeya) figure, and multiple Shiva lingas — including one accompanied by a mace-bearing figure, likely representing a Pashupata or Kalamukha guru. An ancient stepped well on the premises underscores Chalukya architectural influence in ritual design.

KTCB convener Sriramoju Haragopal noted that the prominence of Bejjamaahadevi — rather than the more commonly venerated Akkamahadevi — adds fresh insight into female devotional figures in early Telugu Shaiva lore. Historians regard the find as a milestone in reconstructing Telangana’s literary and devotional heritage. Plans are now under way to document the site fully, seek heritage conservation status and promote Bejjora as a cultural tourism destination.