IN AN astonishing discovery, archaeologists from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Nagpur Circle, executing the conservation work near Lakhuji Jadhav’s Samadhi at Sindkhed Raja in Buldhana district have stumbled upon a rare ancient stone sculpture of Sheshashyayi Vishnu, recently. Experts say that the magnificent sculpture dates back to the sixth-seventh century when the Chalukya dynasty ruled large parts of southern and central India. The sculpture depicts Lord Vishnu sleeping on the coils of Serpent Ananta Shesha in the cosmic ocean ‘Kshirsagara.’ Lord Brahma is seen on a lotus coming out from Lord Vishnu’s navel indicating creation of nature. Lord Vishnu’s consorts --Shridevi and Bhudevi -- are seen seated by his side. This form of Vishnu is particularly popular in South India. ‘Anantachaturdashi Vrata’ dedicated to Sheshashyayi Vishnu is widely observed all over India in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).

 

Lord Vishnu is believed to have appeared on this day as Sheshashyayi or Padmanabha lying on the couch of Ananta Shesha serpent. The memorial of Lakhuji Jadhav Rao is a centrally protected monument. Lakhuji Jadhav was a well-known member of the Jadhav Rao clan who claimed to be descendants of the Yadavas of Devagiri. He was also a Jagirdar of Sindkhed Raja. He was father of Jija Mata, and grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji who was founder of the Maratha Empire. The ‘Samadhi’ of Lakhuji Jadhav Rao was built by his descendants after his death in July 1629. The work for laying an apron near the memorial was going on when the archaeologists found the rare sculpture of Lord Vishnu which is about six feet in length and three feet in width. Speaking to ‘The Hitavada,’ Arun Malik, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Nagpur Circle, who and his team discovered the rare sculpture, informed that remains of an ancient Shiv Mandir made up of big stones were noticed while executing the conservation work at Lakhuji Jadhavrao's Chhatri.