Anantnag, Aug 2: In a significant archaeological find, several ancient Hindu idols, including Shivlings, were unearthed during excavation work at the sacred Karkoot Nag spring in the Salia area of Aishmuqam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
The discovery was made during renovation and revival work being carried out by the Public Works Department. Local laborers engaged in the excavation stumbled upon the stone idols buried beneath layers of earth near the spring. Many of the recovered artefacts are intricately carved and appear to depict various Hindu deities.
Officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums were immediately informed and visited the site to inspect the idols. Authorities confirmed that the recovered artefacts would be sent to the SPS Museum in Srinagar for further study. Material analysis and carbon dating will be conducted to determine the age and historical context of the items.
“These idols will be preserved and studied by research scholars,” an archaeology department official said, adding that the site appears to have strong historical and religious significance, particularly for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Local residents and members of the Pandit community expressed deep reverence for the discovery. “Karkoot Nag has always been a sacred site. We believe this place was once home to a temple, possibly dating back to the Karkoota dynasty,” said a Kashmiri Pandit. “These idols were found in the sacred pond. We request the government to reconstruct a temple here and install the Shivlings for worship.”
The Karkoot Nag site, located about 16 kilometers from Anantnag town, has long been considered a pilgrimage destination. The latest find has reignited calls for preservation and development of the site as a heritage and spiritual center.
Officials have taken cognizance of the request and assured that proper steps will be taken to secure and study the artefacts. The find is being hailed as a rare glimpse into the region’s ancient cultural and religious legacy.
