Ancient Mahishamardhini Sculpture Unearthed in Udupi Temple Ruins

Archaeologists working on the abandoned ruins of a 12th‑century Shiva temple in Kundapura taluk of Udupi district have recovered a nearly intact bronze figure of Mahishamardhini, the goddess who vanquished the buffalo demon.

The statue, estimated to be around 600 years old, was uncovered from a collapsed sanctum and shows the goddess in a dynamic pose, holding a trident and the demon's head, typical of iconography from the Vijayanagara period. The find offers a rare glimpse into the region's rich religious artistry and suggests that the temple once served as a major cult centre for goddess worship.

Experts expect the discovery to prompt further archaeological work and could draw scholars and pilgrims, potentially boosting heritage tourism in Udupi. The find was first reported by local officials and subsequently documented by the district archaeological survey. Source: Google News – Udupi District.