Mythical unicorn idol found near Karkala

Udupi, June 14: A rare idol of mythical unicorn has been found at Kalya near Nitte in Karkala taluk of Udupi district.

T. Murgeshi, lecturer in the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology at MSRS College, Shirva, and S.A. Krishnayya, folklore expert, told presspersons here on Monday that the idol was 29 cm long, 18 cm in width and seven centimetres thick.

The left front and rear leg of the unicorn was mutilated, but right front leg was designed like an elephant leg. The right rear leg looked like a bull's leg. The idol has a horse face and on the first glance looked like a horse but on closer examination one could find a composition of different animals.

“At the centre of its head, there is broken unicorn which is a major symbol of this mythical animal. It appears to be representing the fertility cult. Interestingly, the unicorn horse is found in the emblem of Sri Dharmasthala. Locally it is known as 'Naga Bermar', who was a fertility god”, he said.

As regards, the style of sculpture of the idol, it belonged either to 12th century or 13th century.

“It (the idol) is the only one of its kind found in the country so far,” Mr. Murugeshi said.

He said many temples were renovated in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts.

During the process of renovation, many important, and rare idols, and inscriptions of historic value (not of religious value) were getting thrown into the nearby rivers or rivulets.

Those renovating the temples should make it a point to call archaeologists so that they could document such idols, Mr. Murugeshi said.