15th-Century Lamp Discovered at Karnataka Temple

What was Discovered?

• A 15th-century antique lamp with rare Shaiva and Vaishnavaite sculptures.

• Discovered at the Anantapadmanabha Temple, Perduru, Udupi district, Karnataka.

Key Details of the Lamp:

• Date: 1456 CE, confirmed by a stone inscription in the temple’s inner prakara.

• Donor: Basavannaras Banga.

• Material & Design:

  • A two-faced lamp with Puranic narrative sculptures.

  • Depicts the confluence of Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

Shaivite Face of the Lamp – Pralaya Tandava Theme:

• Central Figure: Lord Shiva as Nataraja (dancing pose, 4 hands).

• Other Figures:

  • Parvati (seated on Nandi – the bull),

  • Ganesha (on mouse),

  • Bringi (playing tala),

  • Khadga Ravana (seated on Goddess Mari),

  • Kumara/Skanda (seated on peacock).

• Theme: Depiction of Pralaya Tandava (destructive cosmic dance of Shiva).

                       

Vaishnavite Face of the Lamp – Protection Theme:

• Central Deity: Lord Anantapadmanabha (Vishnu) – 4 hands, holding Uddarane (spoon) and shankha (conch).

• Surrounding Deities:

  • Brahma (with book and abhaya mudra),

  • Indra (holding vajra),

  • Agni (holding fire),

  • Varuna (holding conch).

• Theme: Gods praying to Lord Vishnu to calm Lord Shiva and protect the three worlds.

                        

Symbolism and Iconography:

• Depicts religious syncretism – Shaiva-Vaishnava harmony.

• Shows Garuda at the base and Shiva in Anjalimudra, representing calmness after divine intervention.

• All figures in Samabhanga pose with unique headgear, showing artistic diversity.