Sati Stones From 13th Century Discovered at Simhachalam Temple

Visakhapatnam: Two Sati stones from the 13th century were recently discovered at the Simhachalam temple in Visakhapatnam by Saikumar Kethineedi, a Team of Research on Culture and Heritage (TORCH) member. The stones, located on the walls of the Beda Mandapa, are believed to be associated with the practice of Sati Sahagamana, in which royal women would sacrifice themselves on their husband’s funeral pyre.

According to Saikumar, these stones likely commemorate women from the Kalinga and Vijayanagara empires who self-immolated following the deaths of their husbands in battle, a practice meant to preserve their honor from enemy kings. The stones not only provide insight into the social practices of the 13th-century Kalinga region but also highlight the transformation of these women into local goddesses, worshiped even today.

In addition to the Simhachalam discovery, similar Sati stones have been found in various locations across Andhra Pradesh, including in Srimukhalingam and Penugonda. These stones, installed during the Eastern Ganga dynasty, offer a glimpse into the region’s ancient rituals. Sati stones have also been found in other parts of India, including Odisha, Bihar, and parts of South India, as noted by Deepak Kumar Nayak, a history researcher with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).