London: An ancient Indian idol of a goddess missing from a temple in Uttar Pradesh, presumed stolen over 40 years ago, will soon find its way back home to India.

The Yogini, which refers to the divine feminine in Hinduism, dates back to the 8th century and went missing from the village of Lokhari in Banda district around the late 1970s and early 1980s. “High Commission of India in London is making all out efforts to bring back the identified Yogini,” said Jaspreet Singh Sukhija, First Secretary, Trade and Economics, who has been liaising on the restitution of the sculpture.

Chris Marinello and Vijay Kumar have played a very important role in helping in the identification of the artefact a couple of months back. You would soon see the Yogini being handed over to the High Commission and restored to its full glory.”

The journey of the Yogini back to its original home has been a long one, including a mysterious diversion when it briefly emerged on the auction circuit over 30 years ago. Marinello, who has restored many such rare stolen or missing artefacts back to their original homes, is currently working on the restitution of another idol found in Italy.