700-Year-Old Lord Vishnu’s Sculpture Washes Ashore on Pedda Rushikonda Beach

On a serene Friday evening, the tranquil shores of Pedda Rushikonda beach were disrupted by an extraordinary sight: a centuries-old granite sculpture of Lord Vishnu, mysteriously washed ashore.

This ancient artifact, broken and separated from its torso, has intrigued local residents and caught the attention of archaeologists eager to learn more about its history. As the waves gently washed over its surface, the statue prompted onlookers to reflect on its past and the significance it once held.

Measuring 3.1 feet in height and found in two pieces with one arm broken, the idol was first discovered by Dipali Naidu, a resident of Rushikonda, during her evening walk. Recognizing its significance, she promptly alerted the authorities, leading to its recovery by the Andhra Pradesh State Department of Archaeology and Museums.

R. Phalguna Rao, the Assistant Director of the department, speculates that the sculpture may date back to the 13th or 14th century, although it is unlikely to have originated from North Andhra Pradesh. “Most sculptures from this region during that era were crafted from khondalite stones, while this idol is made of granite,” he explained in an interview with The Hindu.

The idol is identified as depicting Lord Vishnu in his Janardanaya avatar—one of the 24 divine forms recognized by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

Lord Vishnu is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, revered as the preserver and protector of the universe. He embodies the principles of dharma (righteousness) and is often depicted as a benevolent figure who intervenes in the world to restore cosmic order. The name ‘Janardana’ is derived from Sanskrit, where ‘Jana’ signifies people or living beings, and ‘Ardana’ means to dispel or alleviate suffering. This form of Vishnu symbolizes his role as a guardian of humanity, emphasizing his commitment to protecting and nurturing life.

The broken arm of the statue once held a shankha (conch), a significant symbol in Hindu iconography that represents the primordial sound of creation and the call to righteousness. Archaeologists believe that the idol may have once adorned a temple before being immersed in the Bay of Bengal, a common practice for damaged deity statues.

On Saturday evening, the sculpture was carefully transported to the Visakha Museum, where it will be displayed in the archaeology section for public viewing. “The idol’s journey through time and tides is truly fascinating,” Mr. Rao remarked, emphasizing its historical importance.

This remarkable discovery follows the recent relocation of another ancient sculpture—a Surya idol made of khondalite stone—from Dabagardens, further enriching the region’s archaeological narrative.

Cover Image Credit: K R DEEPAK