Bejjandevi in the Bejjora is Basavapurana Bejjamahadevi

Sriramoju Haragopal, Convener, Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam, said the statue, depicting a deity holding a child in her lap, represents Bejjamaahadevi nurturing Lord Shiva as a child, enshrined as a goddess in the temple

Hyderabad: Kankanala Rajeshwar, a member of the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam, has identified that the sculpture in the Bejjor village temple, located in Bheemgal Mandal, Nizamabad, is that of Bejjamaahadevi from Palkuriki Somana’s Basavapurana.

Sriramoju Haragopal, Convener, Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam, in a press release, said the statue, depicting a deity holding a child in her lap, represents Bejjamaahadevi nurturing Lord Shiva as a child, enshrined as a goddess in the temple. This is a rare historical occurrence. Among the sculptures of Veerashaiva devotees, the statue of Akkamahadevi is particularly renowned, he said.

Another deity sculpture in the Chalukya-style temple is that of Chamundi, along with one of a Shaiva devotee. The temple also houses two styles of Ganesha idols, one Shanmukha idol, two styles of Shiva Lingas, and a Linga with a figure behind it, possibly a Pashupata or Kalamukha Shaiva guru holding a club. A stepped well is associated with the temple, the Brundam said.