By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Bihar, a state rich in historical and archaeological significance, has unearthed yet another gem. While the region already boasts remains from the Mauryan era, recent discoveries have brought to light evidence of Pala period art. The revelation of a unique temple in Patna has stirred excitement across the area, with thousands of people gathering to witness the site.
During Emperor Ashoka’s reign, Patna served as the administrative hub. Between the 8th and 10th centuries, it became a centre of Pala art. Now, remains of this illustrious period have been found in the city. The discovery of a temple in Patna’s urban area has attracted large crowds of devotees and onlookers alike.
Currently, the Narayan Babu Mohalla in Patna City is witnessing an influx of Shiva devotees. Inside an old house, the well-preserved structure of a unique temple has been uncovered. Buried under layers of soil for years, the temple’s shape emerged during excavation. Within this larger temple lies a smaller shrine, housing a Shivling. Remarkably, the temple’s beauty and shine remain intact despite the passage of centuries.
Constructed using Lahori bricks—notable for their thinness—the temple features four doors, two of which are currently sealed. The inner shrine is carved from black monolithic stone. In front of the Shivling are the feet of Lord Vishnu, and a Gomukh facilitates drainage within the structure.
Retired Patna University professor and archaeologist Jaydev Mishra estimates the temple to be approximately 1,000 years old. “This temple appears to date back to the Pala period, a time when Shaivism and Vaishnavism were widely patronised. The tradition of Gomukh also originated during this era,” he explained. He further noted that while Munger served as the capital of the Pala dynasty, Patna was a significant military cantonment, as corroborated by the Khalimpur inscription.
Local residents have temporarily taken charge of managing the site. Ravi, a local youth, expressed amazement at the discovery. “We’ve cleaned the area. This temple is unique; we’ve never seen anything like it anywhere in the country,” he said. However, he emphasised the need for administrative support to manage the growing crowds.
Rajesh, another resident, highlighted the temple’s rarity. “There was 5 kg of gold atop the temple, which has since been removed. The coexistence of a Shivling and the feet of Lord Vishnu is an extraordinary sight,” he remarked.
The local police have stepped in to control the situation. Ajay Kumar, in-charge of Sultanganj police station, stated, “We are working to manage the crowd. Police personnel have been deployed, but no district administration officials have arrived yet.”
The discovery has not only drawn devotees but also sparked a need for better infrastructure and crowd management. The site holds immense historical and cultural value, and efforts are underway to preserve it for future generations.
