Discovery of a Rare Umamaheshwara Sculpture in Karnataka

A significant historical artifact, a Umamaheshwara metal sculpture, has been unearthed in Taggunje, Ajri village, Kundapura taluk, Udupi district, Karnataka. This intricate sculpture, believed to have been created in the 17th century using a 12th-century style, showcases a rare blend of Shaiva-Shaktha and Naga cult traditions, according to T. Murugeshi, a retired Associate Professor of Ancient History and Archaeology.

The Sculpture: An Artistic Marvel

The sculpture, made of five metals (panchaloha), is a masterpiece of religious art and culture. It depicts Lord Shiva seated on a lotus platform, with his consort Parvati (Uma) sitting on his left lap.

Details of the Sculpture’s Composition

Lord Shiva’s Representation:

• Lord Shiva is adorned with a Jatamukuta (crown of matted hair) and a third eye on his forehead.
• His back right hand holds a parashu (axe), while his back left hand holds a mriga (deer).
• The front right hand displays the abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness), and the front left hand rests on Parvati’s left thigh.
• Above Shiva’s head is a five-headed serpent, acting as an umbrella.

Uma’s Representation:

• Parvati holds a lotus bud in her left hand, while her right hand supports Lord Shiva.
• She is crowned with a kirita (ornamental 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 a beautifully crafted prabhavali (arch), with a centrally located lion or kirtimukha (glory face) symbolizing protection and power.

Decoding the Inscriptions and Historical Context

When the sculpture’s base was examined, it revealed two lines inscribed in Kannada script dating back to the 17th century. These inscriptions provided valuable insights into the artifact’s origins:

1. First Line: “Murthy Saakshi,” translating to “on the witness of this idol”, indicating the sacred significance of the sculpture.
2. Second Line: “G 3 ke ra Shu 14,” revealing that 3 gadhyanas (units) of gold, constituting 14% of the sculpture, were used in its creation.

These inscriptions confirm the sculpture’s 17th-century origin, crafted in the 12th-century style, reflecting its adherence to traditional craftsmanship.

The Umamaheshwara Cult and Its Influence

Origins of the Cult

The Umamaheshwara cult emerged in the 10th-11th century under the influence of Soma Sharma from Gujarat. Its rapid spread across the Indian subcontinent was facilitated by its unique philosophy rooted in Vajrayana Buddhism.

Central Theme of Love

The cult revolves 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 synthesis influenced the art, culture, and religious practices of medieval India.

A Collaborative Effort in Preservation

The discovery and analysis of this rare artifact were made possible through the efforts of several individuals, including Thonse Sudhakar Shetty, Taggunje Dayanda Shetty, Taggunje Sachin Shetty, Sampath Shetty, Raviraj Shetty, Manjayya Shetty, and Harish Hegde Kundapura. Their contributions were instrumental in documenting and studying this historical masterpiece.

Mr. Murugeshi, who has dedicated his life to researching ancient Indian art and history, expressed his gratitude for their assistance. Before his retirement, he taught at Mulky Sunder Ram Shetty College, Shirva, where he mentored students and contributed to archaeological studies.

Cultural Significance of the Discovery

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

Preservation of Heritage

This discovery underscores the importance of preserving and documenting such artifacts, which offer valuable insights into India’s artistic, religious, and cultural heritage.

Summary of the Content:

Section	Details
Why in News?	A rare Umamaheshwara metal sculpture was discovered in Taggunje, Ajri village, Kundapura taluk, Udupi district, Karnataka.
Historical Background	Believed to be crafted in the 17th century using a 12th-century style, blending Shaiva-Shaktha and Naga cult traditions.
Material and Composition	Made of five metals (panchaloha), featuring intricate designs and high craftsmanship.
Key Features	Lord Shiva seated on a lotus platform, with Parvati (Uma) on his lap, flanked by Ganesha, Shanmukha, and Nandi.
Sculptural Details	– Shiva: Adorned with Jatamukuta, a third eye, and a five-headed serpent umbrella. – Parvati: Holds a lotus bud in her left hand, supporting Shiva with her right hand. – Framed by a prabhavali (arch) with a lion/kirtimukha motif.
Inscriptions Found	Two lines in Kannada script (17th century): – “Murthy Saakshi” (sacred witness of idol). – “G 3 ke ra Shu 14” (3 gadhyanas of gold, 14% gold content).
Cultural Influence	Linked to the Umamaheshwara cult, founded by Soma Sharma (10th-11th century), emphasizing love and divine union influenced by Vajrayana Buddhism.
Historical Significance	Highlights India’s syncretic spirituality and medieval artistry blending multiple religious traditions.
Collaborative Study	Contributions by Thonse Sudhakar Shetty, Taggunje Dayanda Shetty, Taggunje Sachin Shetty, and others, facilitated the study of the artifact.
Preservation Importance	Underscores the need for documenting and conserving historical artifacts as cultural and artistic treasures.