Udupi: Inscription found at sanctum sanctorum of Vishnumurti temple, Innanje

By B Pundalika Marate
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 24 Apr 2018: Sode Mutt is a one amongst 8 mutts of Udupi. Undaru Sri Vishnumurthy temple of Innanje belonged to the Sode Mutt. The temple is renovated and reestablishing rituals are going on. Here, on the door frame of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple an inscription was found. It was written in four lines in Kannada characters.

 

The record stated that the temple renovated by Vishvendra Tirtha Sripadangalu of Sode on 1926, Krodhana Samvatsara, Suddha 9th Sundayand reestablished with the ritual Brahmakalasha. Accordingly, the date corresponded to 21st February 1926 AD Sunday.

 

As stated in the record the temple got renovated 93 years ago and now again renovated in 2018.

 

In the tank of the temple a beautiful image of Janardhana was found. This metal icon is most probably, an Utsava Murthy of the temple. Since it was mutilated it was dumped in the water.

 

The icon is standing in sama bhanga posture on lotus pedestal. It has a Karanda mukuta as headdress, lotus eyes, lips in smiling gesture with long nose. It has neck ornament, shoulder ornaments with cross belt or thread known as janivara. It was worn lower garment. Right front and back hands are mutilated. Lower left hand hold gadha or club, remaining hands holds padma or lotus, chakra and shankha respectively as per shilpa shastra. The style and feature of the icon clearly state that it was belongs to 17th century AD.

 

The temple had Bhutarajana Chavadi, which has a beautiful wooden pillars and sculptures. It is also in a dilapidated condition and need urgent renovation.