NAWALPARASI, June 16: Archaeologists have discovered ancient ruins and a statue near the Baba Bardagoriya temple in West Nawalparasi. The temple, located in Kerwani of Sunwal Municipality-11, has been the focus of research by the archaeology department for the past two weeks. Bhaskar Gyawali, an archaeologist and the head of the department, reported finding a statue of a goddess in the Shikhar style, as well as various architectural elements like Arm Lock, Gajur, Asti, Ves, Karnes, Pillar, and other objects. They also uncovered a well near the river. The researchers used the trench layout technique and dug an underground tunnel to explore the site. These structures were discovered during the excavation process after encountering an obstacle at the cave entrance.
Gyawali said that when the Sri Baba Bardagoriya Dham development organization requested them to conduct a research there, archaeologist Gyawali's team provided support and it is assumed that there may be more remains.
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It is estimated that there are many structures especially on the south side of the temple. The river near the said temple has also damaged some ruins and swept them away. An ancient well and rock were also found near the river.
The structure that has been discovered is believed to be from either the 13th-14th century or the 15th-16th century. Further exploration is needed to exactly determine the century the ruins belong to. In 2052, the archaeological department uncovered a copperplate near a river. However, it is challenging to identify the specific century because the plate does not include a numerical indication. Nevertheless, based on the mention of Aditya Vairaudaitya Madhava, it is presumed to be from around the year BS1212, during the reign of Maharajdhiraj Jayaditya Dev and his successors, as well as other individuals.
Similarly, Narpati Pandey, president of Sri Baba Bardagoriya Dham Development Organization Temple, said that it is very necessary to develop such an archaeological site. He said that some local residents have taken archaeological objects to their houses when the ruins were damaged by the flood, and they are preparing to convert the site into a museum.
