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Schoolgirl Unearths Ancient Hero Stone in India
11 Mar
Summary
- An 11-year-old discovered a hero stone worshipped as a deity.
- The stone depicts a warrior protecting cattle and ascending to heaven.
- Experts suggest the stone dates to the 12th or 13th century.
A remarkable discovery has been made in Mallammana Belawadi village, Bailhongal taluk, where an 11-year-old schoolgirl uncovered a centuries-old hero stone. This historical artifact had long been revered by villagers as a local deity near the Hanuman temple.
Lakshmi Prakash Humbi, a fifth-grader, noticed unusual carvings on the stone, which was mistakenly worshipped as an idol of Shani. Her observations led elders to realize its true nature as a historical hero stone.
The hero stone is intricately carved across three panels. The first shows a warrior defending cattle from enemies. The second depicts celestial nymphs guiding the fallen hero to Kailash, symbolizing his journey to the divine realm.
The third panel illustrates the hero reaching heaven, with a Shivalinga and Nandi present, and two celestial beings engaged in worship. Lakshmi was reminded of stories about Veera Rani Belawadi Mallamma.
Researcher Balappa Irappa Chinagudi suggests the sculpture might be a 'Turugol Veeragallu,' commemorating a hero who died protecting cattle. Stylistically, he estimates the stone dates to the 12th or 13th century, potentially predating the era of Belawadi Mallamma.
