Telugu inscriptions identified at Chennakesava temple

Two Telugu inscriptions have been identified on a lamp post in front of the famed Sri Chennakesava temple at Somapalayam, located 7 km from Mulakalacheruvu railway station in Annamayya district, according to Gorantla-based historian MyNaa Swamy.

Speaking to the media here on Wednesday, the historian said he noticed the inscriptions during his research visit on the architecture and art of Vijayanagara empire. The engravings, found on the pedestal of the monolithic pillar, bear the phrases “Subhamastu Swasti Sri Jayabhyudaya” on one side and “Jaya Samvatsaram” on the other. The remaining portions have been erased over time.

Based on the cyclic year ‘Jaya’ and the script style, the inscriptions date back to 1534 CE, during the reign of Emperor Achyuta Deva Raya, followed by that of famed Krishnadevaraya, Mr. Swamy said.

The findings suggest that the construction of Somapalayam Chennakesava temple had been completed by then. Mr. Swamy noted that the over 50-foot-tall pillar features intricate carvings, including ‘Keerthi Mukhas’, Garuda figures, musicians, dancers, yali motifs, and floral patterns, reflecting the grandeur of Vijayanagara architecture. Though listed as a flagstaff (Dwajasthambam) by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), he asserted it should be classified as a lamp post (Deepasthambam).