Media Release
Udupi, June 4: An ancient metallic doorframe dating back to the Vijayanagara period, featuring sculptures of the 10 incarnations (Dasavatara) of Lord Vishnu, has been discovered at the Anantapadmanabha Temple in Perduru, a village in Udupi taluk.
In a press release, Prof T Murugeshi, retired associate professor of ancient history and archaeology and founder trustee of Adima Kala Trust (R), Udupi, said the temple is dedicated to Anantapadmanabha, a prominent deity in the Bhagavata cult along the west coast of India.
The doorframe, measuring approximately 4.5 feet in height and 3.5 feet in width, features a central panel of Gajalakshmi seated on a high platform with two elephants showering sacred water over her. Above the elephants are depictions of the Sun and Moon.
On the right side of the frame, the sequence of avatars begins with Hanuman in a saluting posture, followed by a mythical creature Vyali, then Matsya (fish), Kurma (turtle), Varaha (boar), and Vamana. On the left, Parashurama is followed by Rama, then Kalingamardana Krishna depicted with the iconic 'cheese ball'—a representation popularised during the Vijayanagara period. He is followed by a nude standing figure of Buddha and finally Kalki, the tenth avatar. The sculpture concludes with Garuda, also shown in a saluting pose.
Historical significance
An inscription found in the temple’s inner enclosure dates to the reign of Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya, who, in 1519 AD, made generous donations to the temple and appointed an officer named Surappayya to oversee its administration. It is believed that the stone renovation of the temple, including the Dasavatara doorframe, was carried out during this period.
Krishnadevaraya’s successful military expeditions against the Gajapatis of Orissa led to the acquisition of the iconic 'cheese ball Krishna' idol, which he brought to Hampi and enshrined in a newly constructed temple. This image of Krishna subsequently gained popularity across the Vijayanagara Empire. The presence of the cheese ball Krishna in the Perduru doorframe supports its dating to this era. The depiction of a nude standing Buddha is also notable, with a similar figure found at the Vidyashankara Temple in Sringeri.
Prof Murugeshi expressed gratitude to Sri Pramod Rai Palaje, temple president, administrator Gururaj, the trustees, and the team of archakas for their support in facilitating the research.
He also thanked the research team from Adima Kala Trust (R), including Shreyas Kolpe, Shreyas Bantakal, Gowtham Belman, Ravindra Kushwa (Shirva), Dhanush, and Keerthan Udupi.