Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
With Inputs from Media Release
Udupi, Jun 14: In a historic discovery, the centuries-old metal icon of Sri Madhwacharya, a great exponent of Dwaita philosophy and one among the great three acharyas of India, was brought to light at Jaladurga temple in Tellaru of Karkala, said archaeologist, professor T Murugeshi, addressing the media here on Tuesday, June 13.
On the basis of style and shape, the image of Acharya was dated back to the 14th and 15th century AD.
"It is one of the rare discoveries so far concerning the Madhwa religion in India and is the first of its kind. Only two stone images of Acharya of 16th century have so far been found in Udupi Krishna Math and Pajaka, the birth place of the Acharya. But, for the first time, a bronze image of Acharya came to light with this discovery," stated a media release.
Specifics of the icon
The bronze icon of Acharya Madhwa of about 12cm height, is seated on a high pedestal. The beautiful two armed image stands as a classical example of the Vijayanagar period. The right hand is in a Chin Mudra pose, and the left hand is placed on right foot. The metal statue has a beautiful straight nose and half closed eyes that show a delightful smile.
A very special feature of the image is its fairly long earlobes, indicative of superior intelligence. The head seems half shaved, but has a roundish hair-bun at the back.
About the philosopher
Sri Madhwacharya was born in about 1238 AD in a very humble family of brahmins in Pajaka village, eight miles to the south-east of Udupi town. In his 16th year the call of the spirit took him to an ascetic called Achyuta Preksha. The aescetic initiated him into the ascetic order, and named him Purnaprajna or Ananda Tirtha. Having lived about 80 years, Madhwa was supposed to have disappeared from the gaze of men in 1317 AD, mentions Dr Paduru Gururaj Bhat's 'Studies in Tuluva History and Culture'.