Rare 9-foot Tantric Bhairava sculpture found at Rachakonda Hills

Members of the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam have documented a rare 9-foot-tall Tantric Bhairava relief at Rachakonda Hills. The sculpture reflects post-Kakatiya tantric traditions and Velama warrior rituals, strengthening the site’s historical and religious significance.

Hyderabad: In a unique architectural find, members of the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam have documented a rare 9-foot-tall relief sculpture of Tantric Bhairava at the historic Rachakonda Hills.

Located within the Bhogandani Mantapa, the four-armed deity is carved onto a massive stone wall, offering a unique glimpse into the post-Kakatiya tantric traditions of the Rachakonda Velama dynasty, a press release said.

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The sculpture depicts Bhairava in a ‘dvibhanga’ pose, holding a damaru, trishula, sacrificial sword and a ‘rakta patra’ (blood vessel), Kavali Chandrakant, who reviewed the sculpture, said.

A distinctive feature of this relief is a leaping dog positioned to catch dripping blood, accompanied by a royal devotee seated on a tiger skin in a ‘yogapatta’ posture.

Sreeramoju Haragopal, convener of the History Group, noted that the iconography, which includes severed heads and blood offerings, strongly suggests the ‘Ranankudupu’ (battle offering) rituals famously practised by the Velama warriors.

Adorned with intricate serpent regalia, including a ‘naga torana’ (serpent arch) and ‘naga kirita’ (serpent crown), the deity is shown wearing elevated ‘paduka’ sandals and displaying fanged expressions.

Experts believe this discovery solidifies Rachakonda’s status as a major centre for Bhairava worship and Tantric Shaivism following the fall of the Kakatiya Empire.