Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Byndoor (EP)

Byndoor, Nov 1: Devotion of cobra deity has been in progress in this part of the coast for a very long time. There is a difference between the current cobra sculptures and ancient sculptures. The sculpture of ancient and rare Tamburi cobra deity is found in Chitteri, Kalthodu, Byndoor. There are carvings of twin cobra below the right side, cobra with three hoods and half human in the middle and the other half portion resembles a cobra. It appears like a woman on the right side with a musical instrument beside her. Half of the sculptures look feeble and appear to have been there between 11th and 15th century.

History experts of Udupi had found similar sculpture at Kervase, Karkala in the past. Fifteen sculptures found there included Tamburi Naga, Jaina Naga, sculptures made of mura stone and other remains. There were sculptures of half human at the top and half cobra at the bottom holding Tamboori. There were sculptures of three hoods, five hoods and seven hoods.

It is said that Jain community members have been indulging in religious worship at Kervase, Karkala since a long time. Remains of Jain centers were also found in Kalthodu.

The stone sculpture in Kalthodu was found by Pradeep Kumar Basruru in association with Tulu Sahitya Academy awardee Dr Akash Raj. Pradeep Kumar said that more details of religious practices in this part may emerge after detailed research. “The inscription of the era of Kulashekar of eleventh century was found by history experts. Tulu inscription was also found in Mangaluru showing that Kannada and Tulu were given equal importance,” said Dr Akash Raj.