The Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) Epigraphy Branch has discovered the earliest Sanskrit inscription in South India as on date. It is also the earliest epigraphic evidence so far for the Saptamatrika cult. Till date, the Nagarjunakonda inscription of Ikshavaku king Ehavala Chantamula issued in his 11th regnal year corresponding to the 4th century A.D. was considered the earliest Sanskrit inscription in South India.
Facts
- It was discovered in December 2019 in Chebrolu village in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. It was discovered during restoring and repairing the local Bheemeshwara temple.
- The discovered inscription is in Sanskrit and in Brahmi characters. It was issued by the Satavahana king Vijaya in 207 A.D.
- The inscription records the construction of a prasada (temple), a mandapa and consecration of images on the southern side of the temple by a person named Kartika for the merit of the king at the temple of Bhagavathi (Goddess) Saktimatruka (Saptamatrika) at Tambrape
What is Saptamatrika cult?
- Saptamatrikas are a group of seven female deities worshipped in Hinduism as personifying the energy of their respective consorts.
- The Saptamatrika include; Brahmi, Maheswari, Kaumari, Vasihnavi, Varahi, Chamunda, Indrani. These with Mahalakshmi are sometimes counted as “Eight Mothers” or Astha Martihas.
Who was Vijaya?
According to Matsya Purana, Vijaya is the 28th king of the Satavahana dynasty and ruled for 6 years. (Source: The Hindu)
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