4 miniature shrines, twin Shivlingas found during ASI restoration at Solapur temple complex

Pune: Four buried miniature shrines and a rare sculptural base featuring twin connected Shivlingas have been discovered during the ongoing structural stabilisation process of a damaged stepwell at the ASI-protected Yamai Devi temple complex at Mahalung in Solapur district.Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials said the structures were found during systematic debris clearance of the adjoining Hemadpanthi-style stepwell, parts of which had collapsed over decades, amid conservation work.The western side of the well had fallen in the mid-20th century, while the northern steps had given way during the 2015 monsoon. An official inspection was conducted on Feb 10, 2025, under the direction of Abhijeet Ambekar, superintending archaeologist, Mumbai, and Gajanan Mandaware, senior conservation assistant, Pune and Solapur sub-circle.Officials said the current comprehensive conservation effort is the first at the site since 1960. No major restoration was undertaken over the last six decades. Large quantities of fallen masonry, sculptural fragments and displaced stone members have been found inside the shaft, altering the original structure.“During grid-based excavation and documentation, conservation teams began identifying the remains of four symmetrically placed miniature shrines along the well’s edges, suggesting that the structure functioned as a ritual space and not merely a water source,” Ambekar said.

Among the most significant discoveries was a sculptural base featuring twin connected Shivlingas — an unusual configuration in the Deccan’s stepwell architecture, said Mandaware. Archival glass-negative photographs from 1912 helped ASI engineers confirm the well’s original mirror-image stepped design accessible from multiple sides.Ambekar said the tank had collapsed completely and remained ignored for years.

“ASI has taken up restoration after years of neglect. We are rejuvenating the structure while preserving the original character. The tank has both ritual and functional significance. It would have served as a sacred water body connected to the temple and also functioned as a water conservation structure in a drought-prone region like Solapur,” he added.Mandaware said systematic debris clearance during the current exercise led to the recovery of buried shrines and sculptural elements.

He said each recovered stone member is being documented and catalogued before reintegration.The temple complex, dating primarily to the Yadava period if 13th century, consists of an east-facing shrine with a square garbha griha, antarala and pillared sabha mandapa. Certain stylistic elements in the stepwell point to earlier architectural influences, possibly from the 10th or 11th centuries. The complex also includes a southern Shiva temple with a pillared verandah and a northern shrine cluster.Meanwhile, engineers faced additional challenges after a 30-foot stone deepmala near the edge of the well was found to be structurally unstable. Temporary beam supports and anchoring systems were installed before excavation began. Soil investigations and scientific grouting were carried out to strengthen the foundation base.Conservation is being undertaken using traditional lime mortar prepared with organic additives such as jaggery, hirda extract, urad dal paste, natural gums and jute fibre — in keeping with ancient construction practices.The shrine remains an active pilgrimage centre, drawing an estimated five lakh devotees during its annual yatra. ASI officials said the objective is to stabilise the structure, restore the stepwell to its historic configuration and protect newly discovered antiquities — all while preserving the monument’s original fabric.