Karnataka: Oldest metal idol of Madhavacharya found in Karkala temple

Udupi: It is thought to be the oldest metal idol discovered to date of 13th century philosopher and chief proponent of the Dvaita school of Vedanta, Madhavacharya.

Found in a temple in a village in Karkala taluk , the bronze icon is about 12 cm high and is seated on a pedestal. While there are stone idols of the saint in the Udupi Krishna Mutt and a mutt in Pajaka Kshetra , his birthplace, and several metal idols in houses and temples in the district’s villages, none of them are very old.

But the bronze found in the Sri Jaladurga temple of Tellar village by the head of the department of History and Archaeology at MSRS College, T Murugeshi is believed to be ancient.

“The idol is one of many in the collection of the Sri Jaladurga temple. But no pooja is offered to it and the temple authorities do not call it an idol of Madhavacharya. But during my visit to the temple I decided based on its features that it is indeed that of the saint,” Mr Murugeshi told Deccan Chronicle. “The features of the idol show it is of a great saint, an acharya. They are different from that of Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya and so can only be that of Acharya Madhva,” he said.

The idol is seen holding a ‘chinmudra,’ in the right hand ,while its left is placed on its right foot.

There is a smile on its face and its elongated ears are said to be indicative of superior intelligence and intellect. A beautiful hair bun completes it.