Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (MS)

Kasargod, Sep 1 – Narayana Acharya Muruva, a renowned wooden sculptor from Manila near Muruva, passed away at the age of 75 due to a cardiac arrest on the night of Saturday. He was the son of the late Fakeera Acharya and Puttamma.

Narayana Acharya was celebrated for his expertise in wooden carving and sculpting. He worked alongside his late father and the late sculptor Eshwara Acharya, known for the Manjeshwar chariot, to develop a unique style of chariot carving. His craftsmanship is visible in the Daiva Panjurli, Hulibootha, Varaha, and Vyagrabandi sculptures in Muruva village.

His artistic talent is also reflected in the Kukkaje Sri Kalikamba Anjaneya temple in Manila, as well as Kepu, Chelladka, and the Ganesh temple in Bengaluru’s Girinagar. Additionally, he carved a chariot for the Shree Kshethra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy shrine, earning widespread acclaim.

Narayana Acharya was honoured during the decennial celebration of the Sri Durgaparameshwari Yuvaka Sangha in his hometown. He had been leading a retired life recently. He suffered a cardiac arrest at his residence around 8 pm on Saturday, August 31, and passed away before reaching the hospital. His final rites will be conducted at the Hindu crematorium at 3 pm on Sunday.

He is survived by his wife Nirmala, children Gopalakrishna Acharya, Hemantha Acharya, Sanath Acharya, Sunil Kumar Acharya, and daughters-in-law Priya and Deepika. He also leaves behind his brothers Raghava Acharya of Bengaluru, and sisters Susheela Acharya of Moovaje and Sharada Acharya of Bengaluru.