The ancient Maniyar Math will soon get a new lease of life as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to start restoration work at the site in Bihar's Rajgir town, an official told Indian media on Monday.
According to the ASI, the Maniyar Math is said to be a mysterious place of worship, dedicated to the snake god. It is also believed to have been a Buddhist stupa, dedicated to a Buddhist monk and philosopher 'Shilbhadra' in the past.
The cylindrical stupa now serves as a wishing well for the locals, who throw money and offerings to the snake god, wishing him a happy life.
Goutami Bhattacharya, Superintending Archaeologist (ASI, Patna), told the Indian news agency that the smaller structures at Maniya Math, such as altars, platforms, shrines, etc., were probably built for religious and ritual purposes related to snake worship.
Referring to several ancient texts, Bhattacharya said the cylindrical structure was said to be the temple of Maninag, the deity of the Rajgriha.
"In the Pali texts it was called Manimala Chaitya, while in the Mahabharata there is a mention of the Maninag temple. From the art style of the paintings, this structure seems to be from the Gupta period," said Bhattacharya.
According to the Hindu epic 'Mahabharata', Rajgir was the capital city of the great king of Magadh, Jarasandha. It was here that Bhima fought Jarasandha, tore his body in two and threw it in two opposite directions.
The ASI has recently completed conservation work at Mahadev temple in Rajgir and on Jarasandha's Baithak (throne) in Rajgir.
Rajgir is home to a plethora of magnificent monuments and ancient relics. These remnants, albeit largely deteriorated, include stone structures composed of Mauryan bricks, stone rubble, mud mortar, and brick jelly.Mauryan bricks, stone rubble, mud mortar, and brick jelly.
Some of the ancient sites include Jarasandh ka Akhara’ (battleground), Bimbisara jail (prisoner's house), Jaina shrine, Mahadeva temple, Son Bhandar cave, Maniyar math, Jivakamravana (monastery/ancient hospital), Chariot wheel mark and shell characters, newly excavated stupa, etc.