Dhaka, April 9: A 27-kilogram idol of Lord Vishnu was found during pond excavation work in Nawabganj upazila of Dinajpur district, creating a stir among the local residents and sparking interest among archaeologists and historians alike.
The ancient idol was unearthed on Monday afternoon around 5:30 PM in Harinathpur village of Mahmudpur union. It was found by an excavator operator while digging a pond owned by a local resident, Anishar Rahman. The discovery took place near an abandoned palace that is steeped in local legend, adding to the mystery surrounding the artifact.
According to Hafizul Islam, a Union Parishad (UP) member, excavation work had started in the morning, and the idol was unexpectedly brought to the surface in the bucket of the machine during the afternoon. “Soon after the news spread, a large number of curious locals gathered at the site,” he said.
The driver of the excavator promptly informed the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Ashraful Haque, who arrived at the site with other upazila administration officials later in the day.
"We rushed to the scene as soon as we were informed," said UNO Ashraful Haque. "A hard stone idol weighing approximately 27 kilograms was recovered from the pond. It appears to be of significant historical and religious importance."
The statue measures 29 inches in height and 13 inches in width, and is believed to represent the Hindu deity Vishnu, a major figure in Hindu mythology known as the protector of the universe. The intricate craftsmanship and the size of the idol have led many to speculate that it may date back several centuries, possibly to the time of ancient or medieval Hindu kingdoms that once flourished in the region.
Local legends suggest that a king of an orthodox Hindu faith once ruled in the area and may have resided in the now-abandoned palace adjacent to the pond. Residents believe that the idol may have been hidden or submerged during a period of upheaval or transition.
Authorities have taken possession of the idol for safekeeping and further examination. The Department of Archaeology is expected to be consulted for a detailed analysis to determine the idol's age, origin, and cultural significance.
The discovery has sparked excitement in the region, with many calling for proper archaeological excavation and preservation of the site to uncover more about the area's historical past.
As of now, the recovered idol has been secured under the supervision of the local administration. Plans are underway to transport it to a government facility for protection and assessment.
This unexpected find is being hailed as an important cultural and archaeological development in the region, shedding light on Dinajpur’s rich and diverse historical heritage.
