Ancient Shakta Roots: Rare Goddess Sculpture Found in Udupi
Prof. Murugeshi said that while the structure of the temple is believed to date back to the 15th century, the idol too has presently been dated to the same period.
Udupi: A unique stone sculpture of Mahishamardini has been discovered at a dilapidated temple in Kundabarandadi village of Kundapur taluk in Udupi district. The finding was reported by noted archaeologist and founder-director of Adima Kala Trust (R), Udupi, Prof T Murugeshi.
The sculpture at Kundabarandadi depicts Mahishamardini with six arms. In her right hands, she holds a trident, a sword and a mace, while one of her left hands rests on the back of the demon Mahisha. Another left hand is damaged, and the third holds a bow. The goddess is shown placing her right foot on Mahisha’s head and piercing his body deeply with the trident.
Prof Murugeshi pointed out that the facial features of the sculpture are distinctive, with thick lips, a broad nose, protruding eyes and a wide face, reminding the expressions seen in local Daiva worship traditions.
“She totally looks like a mother of Dravidian. Adorned with a karanda-mukuta (tiered crown), the idol reflects a striking synthesis of local cultural elements and classical Indian sculptural style,” Murugeshi said.
Prof. Murugeshi said that while the structure of the temple is believed to date back to the 15th century, the idol too has presently been dated to the same period.
“The idol could be older. But in the absence of anything substantial to prove it, we have at present stated it as 15th century. However, if we get material to substantiate an earlier origin, we can revise the dating,” he told Deccan Chronicle.
He also revealed that villagers were aware of the existence of an old temple at the site but did not know that the idol was still present there. A few months ago, while the premises were being cleared as part of renovation work, the sculpture was found. The matter was then brought to the notice of Prof Murugeshi, who studied the site in detail a few days ago.
He further explained that the Kundabarandadi Mahishamardini temple lies in the southern direction, while three other Mahishamardini temples are located to the north, east and west.
Prof Murugeshi said mother goddess worship is one of the oldest forms of religious practice in the world, and Udupi district has long been an important centre of ancient Shakta traditions. He noted that prehistoric mother goddess imagery has earlier been identified at Avalakki Pare in the district, underlining the antiquity of such worship in the region.
Expressing gratitude, Prof Murugeshi acknowledged the support of the temple renovation committee president Nagendra Poojari, secretary Raghurama Poojari, Seetharama Poojari, Sanjeeva Billava, archaka Chennakeshava Upadhyaya, tantris Gundibailu Subrahmanya Bhat, and members of the Adima Kala research team — Muraleedhar Hegde, Shreyas, Gautham and Bhanumathi — for their assistance in the research.