12 temple pillars with Kalash ‘Pitcher’ carving at their base were found.
KK Muhammad says ‘as I went inside the mosque, I saw pillars with carving of kalash at their base. All 12th and 13th century temple pillars had carvings of kalash at their base’. He Further adds ‘These Kalash are symbolic representation of “Ashtmangal” or Eight signs of prosperity in Hinduism.’
The archeologist mentions discovering several terracotta figurines in human as well as animal forms. Which is a peculiar feature of temple.
‘You will never find animal or human figures in a temple because it is forbidden in Islam. Which means that a temple existed at the site of the mosque.’
Second Excavation- the second excavation at the disputed site was done in 2003 after the order of Allahabad High Court. KK Muhammad was part of this team of Archeologists.
During the second excavation 50+ pillars were found at the site with carvings on them indicating towards 12th century temple architecture.
The excavators discovered a temple water drainage system with crocodile carving on it aka ‘Pranali’ or the ‘Makkara Pranali’.
KK Muhammad says ‘The deity within the sanctum sanctorum needs to be bathed, after bathing the ‘Abhishek Jal’ flows out of the sanctorum through the drainage or Pranali.
The team of archeologists also discovered the remains of temple tower ‘Shikhar’. At the top of every temple there is a structure called ‘Amalak’ which is often topped by kalash. This evidence added to the popular belief that a Hindu structure existed way before the mosque at the site.
The team also un-earthed 263 terracotta figures of various gods, goddesses and animal figurines.
KK Muhammad says ‘it is haram in Islam to depict any living being, meanwhile, it is common to have human and animal figures in Hindu temples. How could it be a mosque then?’
One of the most important discoveries was that of an Inscription which mentions the existence of ram temple at the site.
KK Muhammad says ‘one of the most important discoveries was that of Vishnu Hari Shila Phalak inscription found from the excavation site. This is most important circumstantial evidence proving the existence of a temple dedicated to the incarnation of Vishnu who slayed Bali and a Ten headed king.’
