TIRUPATI: A label inscription, believed to be dating back to the 15th century, engraved on a rock was unearthed in a cave in Kapila Theertham temple in Tirupati district. The inscription, carved in Telugu language, was found next to the steps taking down the cave in Kapila Theertham.
Archaeology Survey of India (ASI) Epigraphy director K Muniratnam Reddy, after deciphering the inscription, said that the inscription seems to be the record of the obeisance of Narasaraju to Lord Kapilesvara.
Speaking to TNIE, Muniratnam Reddy said, “If taken a look at the theories, Vijayanagara empire king Krishnadevarayulu’s father Narasaraju might have engraved the inscription when he used to visit Tirumala temple regularly, during 15th century. However, it cannot be made certain,” Muniratnam Reddy told TNIE. “The inscription also mentions the construction of steps in Kapila Theertham temple which used to be one of the stairways to Tirumala during that period,” said Reddy.
He further elaborated that Vijayanagara kings mostly used to construct Mantapas in their era and the inscription could also be a record of that, which is unclear. The inscription identified has not been recorded to date even in the TTD inscription volumes.
Dr Challa Siva Kumar, Archaeology Research Group, Tirupati who learned about the inscription during his visit to the Kapila Theertham temple as part of his study, said that efforts are on to dig out more information on the stone.