Rare Umamaheshwara Sculpture Found in Karnataka

Ancient Umamaheshwara Sculpture Discovered in Karnataka

A significant historical artifact, an Umamaheshwara metal sculpture, has been discovered in Taggunje, Ajri village, in the Kundapura taluk of Udupi district, Karnataka. This detailed sculpture, thought to have been created in the 17th century using a 12th-century style, represents a unique fusion of Shaiva-Shaktha and Naga cult traditions, as noted by T. Murugeshi, a retired Associate Professor of Ancient History and Archaeology.

The Sculpture: A Work of Art

Crafted from five metals (panchaloha), the sculpture is a remarkable example of religious art. It portrays Lord Shiva seated on a lotus platform with his consort, Parvati (Uma), resting on his left lap.

Details of the Sculpture’s Composition

Lord Shiva’s Representation:

• Shiva is depicted wearing a Jatamukuta (crown of matted hair) and a third eye on his forehead.

• His right back hand holds a parashu (axe), while his back left hand holds a mriga (deer).

• The front right hand shows the abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness), and the front left hand rests on Parvati’s left thigh.

• A five-headed serpent hovers above Shiva’s head, acting as an umbrella.

Uma’s Representation:

• Parvati holds a lotus bud in her left hand and supports Lord Shiva with her right hand.

• She is crowned with a kirita (decorative headgear) and adorned with intricate jewelry.

Other Features:

• The platform features Lord Ganesha on Shiva’s right, Shanmukha (Kartikeya) on the left, and Nandi (Shiva’s bull) beneath Shiva’s right foot.
• The sculpture is framed by an elaborate prabhavali (arch), with a central lion or kirtimukha (glory face), symbolizing protection and power.

Examining the Inscriptions and Historical Context

The base of the sculpture bears two lines of Kannada inscriptions from the 17th century that shed light on the artifact’s origins:

• The first line, "Murthy Saakshi," translates to "on the witness of this idol," indicating its sacred significance.
• The second line, "G 3 ke ra Shu 14," reveals that 3 gadhyanas (units) of gold, making up 14% of the sculpture, were used in its creation.

These inscriptions confirm the sculpture’s 17th-century origin, crafted in a traditional 12th-century style.

The Umamaheshwara Cult and Its Influence

Origins of the Cult:

The Umamaheshwara cult emerged in the 10th- 11th century, influenced by Soma Sharma from Gujarat. It spread rapidly across the Indian subcontinent, rooted in Vajrayana Buddhism.

Central Theme of Love:

The cult centers around the theme of love and the divine union of Shiva and Parvati, symbolizing the balance of masculine and feminine energies in the universe. This spiritual philosophy deeply influenced medieval Indian art, culture, and religious practices.

Collaborative Effort in Preservation

The discovery and analysis of this rare artifact were made possible thanks to the contributions of several individuals, including Thonse Sudhakar Shetty, Taggunje Dayanda Shetty, Taggunje Sachin Shetty, Sampath Shetty, Raviraj Shetty, Manjayya Shetty, and Harish Hegde Kundapura. Their work was vital in documenting and studying this historical treasure.

Mr. Murugeshi, who has dedicated his career to researching ancient Indian art and history, expressed his appreciation for their support. Prior to his retirement, he taught at Mulky Sunder Ram Shetty College in Shirva, mentoring students and advancing archaeological studies.

Cultural Significance of the Discovery

This sculpture is not just a piece of religious art but also a glimpse into India’s cultural and historical past. The combination of Shaiva, Shaktha, and Naga cult traditions illustrates the syncretic nature of Indian spirituality during the medieval period.

Preserving Heritage

The discovery highlights the importance of preserving and documenting such artifacts, which offer invaluable insights into India’s artistic, religious, and cultural heritage.