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Rare Shivalinga made of sacred ash found near Udupi

The Shivalinga was discovered by MSRS College Ancient History

Udupi: A unique Shivalinga made from Vibhuti (sacred ash) has been found at Pangala in Udupi district. The Shivalinga was discovered by MSRS College Ancient History and Archaeology department head Prof T Murugeshi a few days ago at Pangala Jangam Mutt.

‘Vibhuti’ is related to Lord Shiva as Shiva is believed to have smeared Vibhuti on his body. “The Shivalinga is called ‘Siddeshwara’ and is about one foot tall. The uniqueness of the linga is that it is made of Vibhuti,” Murugeshi told DC.

“We have seen Lingas being carved on stones or even precious stones. Amarnath Linga is made of ice. But till date nowhere have I come across a Linga made of Vibhuti. This is one of the rare and unique Lingas in the country,” he claimed. “The Linga is covered with a metallic face of Shiva. Abhishekam and pooja are offered to the Linga after covering it with this metallic face. Though the linga is made of Vibhuti, it is not damaged,” he said adding that the Shivalinga could date back to the Keladi Nayaka period. Prof Murugeshi has also discovered a copper plate inscription in the mutt. “The inscription has 21 lines in the front and 17 lines behind. The copper plate belongs to Nayakas of Keladi and dates back to 1563 Saka era of Vikrama Savatsara, corresponding to 1641 AD,” he said.

“The inscription recorded a land grant given to Mahantha Deva a disciple of Shantha Deva of Bhatkal Mutt. The granted land stated in the inscription is at Kananilahalli in Shirali hobli.

The grant was by Veerabhadra Nayak. Though there is no mention of Pangala Jangama Mutt in the inscription, the mutt and Mahanta Deva might have some connections which is yet to be established,” Murugeshi said. The record is signed in the name of Vijayanagara King Sri Venkatadri of Aravidu dynasty. This was because Nayakas were subordinates of Vijayanagara Kingdom.

( Source : deccan chronicle )
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