Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), June 18 : The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has excavated antique sculptures dating back to the ninth-century Chandela dynasty near the famous Khajuraho temple in Madhya Pradesh.

According to the Archaeological Survey, idols of Hindu Gods and Goddess including that of Goddess Laxmi (of wealth), Lord Vishu (the creator), Vaman (incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Lord Shiva (the God of destruction) and his consort Parvati have been recovered.

The priceless sculptures were unearthed during the de-silting of Nigaura pond near the temple.

"De-silting of the lake resulted in this excavation of these idols. We have recovered an idol of the local deity and other idols of Uma Maheshwar (Shiv-Parvati). We have preserved them and only after a detailed study can we tell you the exact date. But yes, these idols date back to the 9th century of the Chandela era," said ASI Conservator, Rahul Tiwari.

Residents said that the excavation work is continuing at the lake and many idols that have been recovered have been taken into custody by ASI.

"They are digging out the lake, they have found many idols. We have got to know that the idols have been taken by them to their office," said Naresh Kumar, a resident.

Apart from the idols of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses, the workers, who are carrying out the de-silting work, have also uncovered other rare pieces of art.

Chandelas, a Rajput warrior clan dynasty, ruled much of the Bundelkhand region for long periods between the 10th to the 13th centuries AD.

The Chandela dynasty is famous in the Indian history for King Vidyadhar who not only repulsed the attacks of Mahmud of Ghazni but also for his love for sculptures evident in the world famed temples of Khajuraho and Kalinjar fort.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have recognized the world-renowned temple town of Khajuraho in the Bundelkhand region as a world heritage site. (ANI)