Udupi: A rare inscription dating back to 1293 AD, discovered at Untunahole Erannanamakki in Kalthodu village of Kundapur taluk talks of a Hebbariyara Math, which had goddess Lakshmi for its presiding deity.
The discovery was made by a team led by associate professor of Ancient History and Archaeology , T Murugeshi of the Shirva MSRS College.
The inscription speaks of a donation made by Chakravarti Devarasa to the math.
“Though there is no other detail to clearly identify the ruler, we can conclude that the Devarsa mentioned here is Alupa ruler, Nagadevarasa,” says Prof Murugesh, revealing that two engravings make the inscription unique.
“Other than the usual carvings of Shiva Linga and bulls on either side and the trident, the inscription has engravings of a Nidhi Kumba (treasure pot) and a Yupa (sacrificial post). These are usually not seen in inscriptions,” he explains.
“ The treasure pot probably symbolises goddess Lakshmi and the sacrificial post could indicte the place was a venue of sacrifice,” the professor adds.
It's believed that the Hebbariyara Math of Herali mentioned is actually the Heranjalu Math of today. “It is probably the only mutt in Karnataka which has goddess Lakshmi as its presiding deity. There are temples but no math with Lakshmi as its presiding deity,” he points out.
