Ancient Mahishamardhini Sculpture Unearthed in Udupi’s Dilapidated Temple

During a routine survey of a ruined temple on Kallara Hill in Udupi district, a team of archaeologists led by the Karnataka State Department of Archaeology discovered a remarkably preserved bronze sculpture of Mahishamardhini, the fierce form of goddess Durga. The statue, about 60 cm tall, was carved with intricate detail and is believed to date back roughly 1,200 years.

The temple, long abandoned and partially collapsed, had been overlooked by local heritage bodies. However, historical records suggest that the site once served as a significant pilgrimage spot, where devotees worshipped the goddess in a form that blended local Shiva traditions with broader Durga iconography. The find confirms a previously undocumented link between Udupi’s pre‑modern religious practices and the wider South Indian artistic traditions of the early Chalukya period.

Experts say the sculpture’s discovery could reshape current understandings of Udupi’s cultural history, inviting scholars to re-examine the region’s role in furthering Buddhist‑influenced art and religious syncretism. The site is slated to be protected under heritage conservation guidelines, and restoration work is expected to begin in the coming months. Source: Google News – Udupi District.