Ancient Telugu Inscription Discovered at Simhachalam Temple: Uncovering 16th Century Heritage

In a remarkable discovery, epigraphists from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently uncovered a 16th-century Telugu inscription at the historic Simhachalam temple, dedicated to Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. This ancient inscription was found on the wall above the statue of Lord Hanuman and provides insights into the temple’s long-standing history and cultural ties. Led by Dr. M.V.R. Varma from ASI Mysore, the conservation team also explored sites in Puri, Odisha, and Jami in Vizianagaram, as part of their heritage preservation efforts.

The inscription, attributed to a man named Kurma Mudali, son of Tammu Mudali, records the construction of the Hanuman temple under the guidance of Lord Jagannath of Puri. According to INTACH volunteer K. Sai Kumar, the Mudalis were a potter community from Odisha. While they contributed to the temple’s construction, they likely required assistance from local Telugu speakers for the inscription engraving, as they were not fluent in the language.

This finding is significant as it highlights the cultural exchanges between the Odia-speaking region and the Telugu-speaking community of Simhachalam. Most inscriptions at Simhachalam are in Odiya, underscoring the temple’s historical connection with the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Positioned 300 meters above sea level, Simhachalam is one of the 32 Narasimha temples in Andhra Pradesh and stands as an important pilgrimage center, rich in Vaishnavism heritage.

The discovery of this Telugu inscription adds a new chapter to the temple’s history and further strengthens its ties to the spiritual and cultural traditions of both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Simhachalam’s place among other revered Vaishnavism temples like Srikurmam and Jagannath of Puri reflects its significance as a heritage site and a testament to the religious unity and artistry of ancient India.