Two remarkable Sati stones dating back to the 13th century have been discovered at the Simhachalam temple in Visakhapatnam by Saikumar Kethineedi, a member of the Team of Research on Culture and Heritage (TORCH). These stones, found on the walls of the Beda Mandapa, shed light on the ancient ritual of Sati Sahagamana, wherein royal women sacrificed themselves on their husband’s funeral pyre.
Saikumar believes these stones commemorate women from the Kalinga and Vijayanagara empires who followed this practice after their husbands fell in battle. The ritual was rooted in preserving honor and saw these women deified as local goddesses, worshiped even today. The discovery highlights the cultural and historical legacy of the 13th-century Kalinga region, showcasing the interplay of social customs, valor, and devotion.
Similar Sati stones have been identified in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Srimukhalingam, as well as across India, including Odisha, Bihar, and parts of South India. Deepak Kumar Nayak, a history researcher with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), noted that these artifacts provide a profound glimpse into the rituals and beliefs of bygone eras.
Installed during the Eastern Ganga dynasty, the Simhachalam Sati stones offer invaluable insights into ancient practices, illustrating how societal norms shaped the spiritual and cultural fabric of the region. Such discoveries continue to enrich our understanding of history, emphasizing the importance of preserving these relics for future generations.
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