Stone inscriptions dating back to the 8th century were found on an abandoned field at Pamasara village under Pipili block in Puri district recently.
A team led by Dr Bharati Pal, Assistant Curator (Epigraphy) of the State Museum visited the site on Wednesday afternoon to conduct further research on the findings.
local people worship a deity, Ardha Kapileshwar, on the said low-lying field to get rid of migraine pain. Seventy per cent of the deity, a black chlorite stone (Muguni Pathara), is buried in the ground and the rest of it seen over the ground with inscriptions of Vrishabha (bull), Dambaru (pellet drum) and Trishul (trident) is revered by the local people.
The stone having Shaivite inscriptions is believed to be a part of lord Shiva. An ancient well of 3 feet radius is also found near the place.
As part of prayer, villagers make seven rounds of the idol and offer betel nut and coconut for fulfilment of their desire.
Dr Bharati Pal and Repographer Sushant Patnaik visited the place for further research on Wednesday afternoon. After inspecting the stone carving, they said, some inscriptions are written in Sanskrit. “Of these, five lines have been inscribed between 8thand 9th century. We would be in a position to tell more about this after more research,” Pal said.