Unique 15th-Century Mahishamardhini Idol Discovered in Ruined Temple at Kundabarandadi

By Editor

Posted on January 12, 2026

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Unique 15th-Century Mahishamardhini Idol Discovered in Ruined Temple at Kundabarandadi

Udupi : A rare and peculiar idol of Goddess Mahishamardhini has been identified in the ruined temple of Melmutt, located in Kundabarandadi village of Kundapura taluk. Prof. Murugeshi T., renowned archaeologist and founder trustee of Adima Kala Trust (R), Udupi, revealed the details of this significant find in a press release today.

The idol under study is unique for its six-armed (Shadbhuja) depiction. In her right hands, the Goddess holds a trident (piercing the demon Mahisha), a sword, and an upright mace (gadha). One of her left hands is placed firmly on the back of Mahisha, another holds a bow, while the third is unfortunately mutilated. A distinguishing feature of this sculpture is the facial expression, characterized by a flat, thick nose, protruding eyes, and a karanda mukuta headgear, reflecting a distinct Dravidian clan appearance and local artistic traditions. Interestingly, a small female figure, possibly the wife of Mahisha, is carved below the mace.

According to Prof. Murugeshi, the Kundabarandadi temple holds immense historical and spiritual importance. It is part of a “Panchadurga” tradition, where four Mahishamardhini temples are situated in the four cardinal directions representing the elements of nature, with the fifth element represented by Shiva. The Kundabarandadi temple, located in the South, represents the “Demon nature” aspect of the deity. Based on its stylistic features, the image has been dated to the 15th century.

The research was conducted with the support of the temple renovation committee members, including Nagendra Poojary, Raghuram Poojary, Sitarama Poojary, and Sanjeeva Billava. Prof. Murugeshi also extended his gratitude to the Adima Kala research team members, Murulidhara Hegade, Shreyas, Gowtham, and Bhanumati, for their contribution to the study.