VIJAYAWADA: The 1,400-year-old stone carving of Lord Nataraja in a cave in Moghalarajapuram area is fast becoming an embodiment of neglect of archaeological department. Notified as Cave II by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), visitors are a rarity atop the entablature, which houses the 1,400-year-old Lord Nataraja stone carving.
It has lost its legs and left hand, reducing its total number of limbs to five. Under Lord Nataraja’s crumbling legs lies demon dwarf Apasmara, who as per Hindu mythology represents ignorance as well as epilepsy. Also called Muyalaka or Muyalakan, Apasmara is often depicted holding his hand in ‘Anjali mudra.’
Speaking to TNIE, Cultural Centre of Vijayawada and Amaravati director Dr Siva Nagi Reddy said the Nataraja carving has become brittle with time.
“The vibrations from traffic on the road in front of the cave have damaged the stone carving. If immediate attention is not paid, it will crumble down. It will be a shame if we allow it to happen.”
Former Mayor Jandhyala Shankar talked about the cave during a seminar held on Monday. “There is an ancient cave in Moghalarajapuram with a Nataraja stone carving. Do any of you know that it exists? No. It is an example of how sites of such archaeological significance are being ignored. Literature pertaining to such important sites is not available. The stone carving should be restored by the government. However, I don’t think there are experts in Andhra Pradesh who can carry out the restoration work,” Shankar said.
The history of the stone carving is detailed in the book ‘Cave Temples of the Deccan’. As per the book, it was carved during the end of Vishnukundina dynasty.
Asked if ASI had any plans of restoring the stone carving, an official, on condition of anonymity, said, “It has been like that for a long time. We clean the place regularly. Anyway, it is not going to fall apart any time soon.”