Headless Buddha Statue and Rock-Cut Caves Unearthed Near Kadri Temple in Mangaluru

Headless Buddha Statue and Rock-Cut Caves Unearthed Near Kadri Temple in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 8, 2025: A remarkable archaeological discovery has brought to light a headless Buddha statue and three ancient rock-cut caves near the Kadri Manjunatha Temple. The findings, confirmed and documented by Prof. T. Murugeshi, retired Associate Professor of Ancient History and Archaeology at MSRS College, Shirva, provide vital insights into the region’s Buddhist heritage.

The Buddha statue, dating back to the 4th–6th century A.D., was found in a neglected state within a temple tank. With permission from temple administrator Arun Kumar, the corroded statue was carefully removed for detailed study. Despite the loss of its head and right hand, the sculpture retains a serene charm, seated in the Padmasana pose with hands in Dhyana Mudra. The faint outline of an upper garment (uttariya) is visible over the chest.

Prof. Murugeshi identified the statue as a Dhyani Buddha from the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, noting its stylistic features align with Buddhist iconography of the Kadri region. Measuring approximately 68 cm in height and 48 cm in width, the statue is believed to have been the principal deity of the site before the transition to Shaivism.

The discovery was accompanied by three rock-cut caves on the eastern side of the Kadri tanks. Carved into laterite above ground level, these caves exhibit structural designs resembling residences for Buddhist monks.

The First Cave: Features a semi-circular porthole entrance, an 8-foot-high chamber, a lamp niche, and a resemblance to Megalithic Dolmens.

The Second and Third Caves: Both have high plinths, twin square entrances, and square inner chambers. All caves feature sloped canopies with drainage holes, suggesting practical designs for monsoon habitation.

Prof. Murugeshi highlighted that Kadri was a prominent Buddhist center until the 10th century, as evidenced by inscriptions of Alupa King Kundavarma on the Lokeshwara image in the Kadri temple. The site transitioned from Mahayana to Vajrayana Buddhism and was eventually influenced by the Natha cult in the 11th century.

These findings not only validate Kadri’s ancient Buddhist roots but also enhance understanding of its historical evolution and cultural significance.