Udupi: Ancient sculptural vestiges discovered at Ellampalli
Inchara Udupi
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Jan 31: Ancient vestiges of a sculpture and pottery pieces of early historical period have been discovered at Ellampalli near Neelavar in Udupi taluk, by the department of ancient history and archaeology, MSRS College, Shirva, said Prof T Murugeshi a media release.
The college conducted archaeological exploration as part of Vivekananda Jayanti at Ellampalli.
A round base with broken feet and prop made of soft stone measuring 24 cm, profusely used in Hoysala period was found near Vishnumurthy temple at Ellampalli, said Prof Murugeshi. It might be the vestiges of Janardhana or Channakeshava image of 14th century, he said.
Along with these, a few potsherds of early historical period were also recovered from the surface of the site.
Prof Murugeshi addressing a programme held at the site briefed on the historicity and cultural background of Ellampalli in the light of the new discovery. He said that Padoor Gururaj Bhat had said that Yajnashale area was a Buddhist centre of Shantavahanas during the second century. B Vasanth Shetty conducted research on the Vijayanagara ruler’s statue found near Ellampalli’s Vishnumoorthy temple and published his findings. The remains found now strengthen the belief that the temple was built during the era of Hoysalas, he said.
Honorary president of the renovation committee of the temple, Prof Y Bhaskar Shetty said that archeological explorations conducted by the college here have enriched the historicity and cultural tradition of this place.
Jayaram Shetty, president of renovation committee of Vishnumurthy temple greeted the college and president of the function Prof K Subramanya Bhat, the principal of the college said that the college meaningfully celebrates the Vivekananda Jayanti by conducting programmes related to history and culture in this remote village. K Sridhar Bhat proposed the vote of thanks.