Linga discovery throws light on ‘bull cult’

Mangaluru: A linga of phallic nature that could help throw more light on study of the ‘bull cult’ in the coastal region has been discovered at a temple in Kumbdaje village of Kasargod Taluk.

"The linga was found in Sri Mahishamardhini Temple premises at Goasada of Kumbdaje village in Kasargod. It is roughly a triangular stone about two feet in height. This linga is placed outside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Daily pooja is offered to this linga too,” MSRS College of Ancient History and Archeology department Head Prof T Murugeshi told Deccan Chronicle.

“This linga indicates the presence of phallic worship in the coastal region several centuries ago. This can be considered as the oldest in the region,” he said adding that the linga may likely be assignable to 5-6 century BC.

"It is a known fact that bull cult which existed in the coastal belt gave prominence to worship of such symbols. Over the years Shakti worship must have started in this place. At present Durga is presiding deity of the temple," he claimed and added that discovery would help in studying the existence and antiquity of ‘bull cult,’ in the region. “The Mahishamardhini temple is in the form of circular shape. Some features of this idol have resemblance to Buddhist sculpture and may date back to Chola era. The bronze idol in the temple too dates back to Chola era. The temple was definitely a tantric centre of Shakti cult like Kollur in Karnataka,” he adds.

The field survey was conducted jointly by the department of Ancient History and Archaeology, MSRS College, Shirva and the post graduate department of Kannada studies, Government College, Kasaragod with the support of Oriental Archives Research Centre, Udupi.

Murugeshi presented this discovery during a paper at the Karnataka Itihasa Academy meeting held at Mandya recently.