1200-year-old Pashupatinath idol shows severe damage in Mandsaur:Scratches on eyes, broken nose and peeling Vajra Lepa reveal urgent need for fresh restoration work

The historic eight-faced (Ashtamukhi) idol of Lord Pashupatinath in Mandsaur is gradually losing its protective Vajra coating. Scratches on the eyes, a chipped nose, and a long mark on one side of the face indicate significant deterioration of the ancient sculpture. Wherever Vajra coating and chemicals were applied earlier, gaps have now started appearing. As the upper layer wears off, the intricate facial features of the deity are visibly losing their sharpness. A survey has been conducted, and preparations are underway to restore the idol once again. Dainik Bhaskar’s team arrived at the temple and investigated the chemical seeping from the idol. Read the report… World’s only eight-faced Pashupatinath idol Unlike the well-known Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, which follows a different artistic tradition, the Mandsaur idol is considered the only eight-faced Pashupatinath form in the world, based on historical, archaeological and local beliefs. According to temple priests, the idol was discovered on 19 June 1940 in the depths of the Shivna River. The stone slab revealed carved forms that resembled Lord Shiva, prompting locals to begin worship. Later, artisans confirmed that it was an incomplete yet extremely rare ancient sculpture believed to be over 1,200 years old. Bhaskar team investigates the peeling coating The Dainik Bhaskar team inspected the idol and found that parts of the Vajra coating applied years ago have begun to peel off, exposing the original stone underneath. Two decades of process to give the idol its current form Temple priests explain that shaping the idol and giving it its final form took nearly two decades. After 16 years, the need for fresh restoration has emerged again. Why the coating is wearing out Of the eight faces, four were clearly visible when the idol was found in the river. The remaining four had faded due to years of submersion. Before installing the idol in the temple as part of the Rs 25-crore Pashupatinath Lok project, the faded areas were restored using chemicals and Vajra coating. However, with years of worship—including water, flowers, leaves, milk, and other offerings—the coating has slowly started to dissolve. Religious and sculptural significance of eight faces According to the Archaeology Department, while most Shivlings are formless, the Mandsaur Pashupatinath idol is an Ashtamukhi Maheshwar, each face representing a specific aspect of Shiva: Historians note that although multi-faced Shiva forms exist in Gupta-era art, an eight-faced idol of this scale—carved from a single stone and discovered in a river—is unprecedented in India. Temple complex developed in three phases Researchers say the idol may have reached the river due to ancient flooding or landslides.
The development timeline: Archaeologists conduct survey; restoration plan ready Indore-based archaeologist Praveen Srivastava said natural ageing is expected in such ancient stone idols. “The earlier chemical coatings have completed their lifespan. A new Vajra layer is now required. Samples have been collected by officials from Bengal.” Mandsaur Collector Aditi Garg confirmed that the Vajra-coating process will begin soon. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team has already conducted a survey and provided recommendations to ensure the idol’s original form is preserved. “The restoration work is about to start. The Pashupatinath Lok complex is also nearing completion,” the Collector said.