Karwar: Archaeologists have made an exciting discovery at Ulluru Mutta, in Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district.
According to Prof. T. Murugeshi of Mulki Sunder Ram Shetty College, Shirva, the most notable discovery is a mutilated sculpture that locals identified as Mahavishnu.
"The sculpture is a stunning example of Chalukyan art, with exquisite detailing and impressive grandeur. Iconographically the idol is of Janardhana (one of the forms of Vishnu) and dates back to the 11th century," Prof Murugeshi told Deccan Chronicle.
The site has a small shrine of Ganapati and the remains of an ancient temple (of Janardhana) including mutilated sculptures. An inscription has also been discovered at the site.
The image of Janardhana stands in the posture of Samabhanga and has an ornate long Karanda mukuta headgear.
Archaeologists believe that a big Janardhana Temple must have been in place during the 11th century.
However, the temple is in ruins, and the Janardhan idol in a mutilated state is placed below a tree now.
The sculpture is about 80 cm in height without the pedestal and 85 cm with the Padma Peetha. It is adorned with rich ornaments such as Makarakundalas in its ears, a Kantihara necklace, a Kaustubhahara, Udarabhandha, Bhujakeertis, Tolbhandhis, and bangles on both hands. The sculpture wears a lower garment with Simhakeerti at its waist belt.
The artwork was executed during the period of the Chalukyas of Kalyana.
The discovery also includes the remains of an ancient temple, mutilated sculptures, and an inscription in the Kannada and Tigalari script.
The inscription refers to Kamadevarasa and Basavayya of Chandavara of Uttara Kannada district. Chandavara was the sub-capital of the Alupa Ruling family, who were ruling Coastal Karnataka region.
The inscription dates back to the early 14th century.
The Ulluru Mutta was a center of trinity worship during the Chalukyan period, where the Sun, Vishnu, and Shiva were worshipped equally. The Bhagavata cult had been present in Uttara Kannada since the 7th century AD, with the earliest Vishnu sculptures discovered at Gokarna and Igunda dating back to that time.
The discovery of this masterpiece of Chalukyan art is a significant addition to the history of the region and provides important insights into the cultural and religious practices of the period.
