Varanasi : Excitement abounds in Bhandaha Kala village, Chaubepur, as remains of miniature deity statues and temple architecture dating back to the 9th-10th century have been discovered around a large reservoir. Villagers, spurred by the report of Regional Archaeological Officer Dr. Subhash Chandra Yadav and his team, are now eagerly pursuing archaeological investigations.

According to Vallabhacharya Pandey, a local social worker, the report confirms the age of the deity idols found in the reservoir and nearby Mukhi Shivling to be from the 9th-10th century and 7-8th century respectively. The villagers revere the Shivling as Tripurari Mahadev. Despite the reservoir's selection for beautification under the Sundarik in Amrit Sarovar Scheme, encroachments have hindered progress. A pillar in the pond, standing at 9 feet tall with a 4-foot diameter, bears inscriptions dating it to the 19th century.

The discovery of fragmented idol fragments suggests the existence of a grand temple at the site. Pawan Pandey, a local resident and advocate at Allahabad High Court, has been tirelessly working for years to preserve these ancient relics and enhance the reservoir's beauty, including building a grand temple for the one-faced Shivalinga. With the Archaeology Department's report, the government is expected to take action, bringing the long-awaited fruition of these efforts closer.