Dhar's Saraswati is actually Gayatri: 3D mapping uncovers 900-year mix-up

Dhar's Saraswati is actually Gayatri: 3D mapping uncovers 900-year mix-up

A 12th-century sculpture, thought for over 900 years to depict the goddess Saraswati, has been identified as the goddess Gayatri.

The red sandstone idol was discovered in Dhar, the capital of the Parmar dynasty between the 9th and 14th centuries, and is now one of India's rare representations of Gayatri.

The identification was made possible through advanced digital documentation and high-resolution 3D mapping at Bhopal's State Museum.

Archeologist explains why sculpture is Gayatri

Archaeologist Ramesh Yadav, who is associated with the directorate of archeology, archives and museums, said that "the image matches classical descriptions of Gayatri in the Silpasastras."

He said the sculpture depicts a four-armed goddess seated in lalitasana, holding a rosary, lotus, and Vedas.

A hamsa (swan) beside her symbolizes sacred wisdom, while celestial garland bearers affirm her divinity.

"Together, these attributes identify the deity as Gayatri rather than Saraswati," he added.