Summary:
PILIBHIT: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has deputed a team of experts, led by superintending archaeologist from Agra regional office Vasant Swarnkar, to visit Pilibhit’s Ilabas temple in Bisalpur tehsil to examine statues found there. On a request by the district magistrate, the ASI has decided to conduct further research on the statues and other sculptures in the temple campus. “More than 60,000 to 70,000 devotees from across the state come to offer prayers at the temple every year during June and July. The statues are made of sandstone and are of various Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu pantheon.The Ilabas temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is situated on the edge of Deuria forest range of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve at Mahamadpur Ilabas Dewal village panchayat. The district administration is keen on developing the temple complex as an archaeological destination.After a preliminary survey in April, the ASI had concluded that these statues belonged to the 11th century BC, although senior officials in Delhi have expressed dissatisfaction about the survey..