Archive · 30 Jan 2026
900-Year-Old Shiva Temple Discovered in Tamil Nadu
A very old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was found in a village in Tamil Nadu, India.
This temple is about 900 years old and was built during the time of the Chola kings.
It was hidden under a big banyan tree and was not accessible to people for a long time.
The temple has special carvings and designs that show it was made by skilled artists.
Unfortunately, some parts of the temple were damaged or stolen over the years.
People who study old things and the local government want to fix the temple and learn more about its history.
A 900-year-old Shiva temple from the later Chola period was discovered in Begili village, Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu.
The temple is hidden by a 200-year-old banyan tree and was inaccessible to locals for generations.
The temple features a traditional sanctum (garbhagriha), a half-hall (ardha mandapa), and intricate architectural elements.
The temple is in a state of ruin, with the sanctum looted and the Nandi statue vandalized.
Researchers and local residents are appealing to the Tamil Nadu Government and the Department of Archaeology to restore the temple and uncover more about its history.
- Who
- Jeyalakshmi, local teacher and archaeology researcher, along with the Krishnagiri Museum and history documentation groups
- What
- Discovery of a 900-year-old Shiva temple from the later Chola period
- When
- The temple dates back to the 11th century CE, and it was recently discovered and cleared
- Where
- Begili village, near Hosur in the Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, India
- Why
- The temple is significant for its architectural style and historical importance during the Chola period
- Location
- Begili village, Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, India
- Age
- 900 years old (11th century CE)
- Discoverer
- Jeyalakshmi, local teacher and archaeology researcher
- Architectural Style
- Kattrali (rock-cut stone) tradition
- Key Features
- Sanctum (garbhagriha), half-hall (ardha mandapa), adhisthana (base), bodhika (bracket) elements
- Current Condition
- In shambles, looted, vandalized, partially buried
- Significance
- Testament to the reign of Kulothunga Chola I, likely recipient of royal land grants