Kundapur: Rare 15th-century Mahishamardini sculpture found in dilapidated temple

Mangalore Today News Network

Kundapur, Jan 13, 2026: A rare and uniquely styled sculpture of Mahishamardini has been discovered in a dilapidated temple atop the Kundabarandadi village in Kundapur taluk, Udupi district, according to archaeologist and founder of Aadim Kala Trust, Prof. Murugeshi T.

In a press release, he stated, “Mother worship is one of the oldest beliefs in the world. In Udupi district, early historical stone art also depicts mother goddesses. Across India, the mother deity is worshipped in various forms. The worship of Mahishamardini originated in northwest India during the early centuries of the Shaka era and later spread rapidly to South India.”

He added, “Udupi district has long been an important center for Mahishamardini worship. The oldest Mahishamardini temple in the district is at Belmannu, dating back to the 7th century CE. The Belmannu copper inscription, considered one of the oldest in Kannada, praises the goddess as ‘Vidyagirivasini’ and ‘Mahamunisevite.’”

Prof. Murugeshi described the newly found sculpture as follows: “The Mahishamardini statue currently under study has six arms. In her right hands, she holds a trident, a sword, and a mace. Of her left hands, one rests on Mahisha’s back, another is broken, and the third holds a bell. The sculpture depicts the goddess placing her right foot on Mahisha’s head while piercing his body with the trident.”

He further explained, “The facial features of the sculpture are striking, with a broad and prominent nose, raised lips, expressive eyes, and a crown known as the ‘Karanda Mukuta.’ This statue strongly reflects the local Dravidian artistic tradition and resembles the mother goddess figures of the Dravidian lineage. A small female figure carved beneath the mace on the statue’s right side is believed to represent Mahisha’s wife.”

The Mahishamardini temple at Kundabarandadi holds significant historical importance. There are Mahishamardini temples in all four directions in this region. The southern Kundabarandadi temple represents the demonic aspect and is associated with the Panchadurga tradition, which symbolizes the five elements of nature, with Shiva representing the fifth element as the masculine energy. Based on its artistic style, the sculpture is estimated to date back to the 15th century.

Prof. Murugeshi expressed gratitude to the temple restoration committee members Nagendra Poojari, Raghurama Poojari, Seetharama Poojari, Sanjeev Billava, and the Aadim Kala research team for their cooperation in the study.