Srisailam temple to publish book based on copper plates found in temple

Vijayawada: The Srisailam Devasthanam is publishing a book about the recently discovered copper plate charters found in Ghanta Mandapam at the Srisailam temple in Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh, with the help of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The ASI discovered 78 leaves from 21 sets of copper plate charters in Ghanta Mandapam during 2022-23. These charters date back to the 12th to 16th centuries CE and were issued by various dynasties, including the Reddys, Ganapathis, and others. They are written in multiple languages, including Telugu, Kannada, Oriya, Nagari (Sanskrit), and others.

Upon the request of the Srisailam temple authorities, the ASI has deciphered all the copper plate charters and will publish a book initially in two languages: first in Telugu, followed by English. The book will include descriptions of the content found on the copper plates, as well as facsimiles of the relevant plates.

When Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the Srisailam temple recently, the copper plate charters were exhibited, and ASI authorities explained the inscriptions to him.

ASI Director (Epigraphy) K. Munirathnam Reddy said, “At the request of Srisailam Devasthanam, ASI is helping the temple authorities to publish a book titled ‘Copper Plates Found in Srisailam,’ which will be released by February next year.”