A cave belonging to the megalithic period was found, on March 23, 2021, at Paniyadi in the Udupi district of Karnataka while digging for construction of the outer wall of the Anantha Padmanabha Temple of the Udupi Puttige Mutt. Renovation of the temple was undertaken by the mutt with the help of local villagers.
About the Finding
The cave was found to the north of the temple eight feet below the surface. A stone slab covered the cave and there were two or three vents on the smooth surface wall of the cave. Since there was no prior knowledge about the existence of such a cave, a portion of it was damaged during the process of digging. The discovery is unique in understanding the antiquity of the Phanis (ancient original inhabitants).
About the Cave
According to T. Murugeshi (Associate Professor of Ancient History and Archaeology at Mulki Sundar Ram Shetty College, Shirva), it was a rock-cut cave that belonged to the megalithic period. He further added that the cave belonged to 800 BC and is 2000 years old in antiquity. Similar rock-cut caves belonging to the megalithic period are found in the Sasturu Subramanya Temple, Sooda Subramanya Temple, Pavanje Subrahmanya Temple, and other places in coastal Karnataka.
Significance of the Findings
The discovery of this megalithic cave is particularly important for understanding the history of the Phanis. The name Paniyadi comes from the words Pani and Haadi, together which meant settlement of Phanis. In the Mahabharata and the Puranas, the Phanis were mentioned as the original inhabitants of the country. They were known for Naga Worship. Naga was their totemic emblem. Paniyadi and Paniyur (both in Udupi district) reveal evidence, indicating existence of Phani settlements in the past.
About Anantha Padmanabha
Anantha Padmanabha was iconographically Para Vasudeva, a Vaisnavate god. He was the presiding deity of Paniyadi. He was related to Naga worship. He sits atop the Naga coil (Adi Sesha). The Naga hood stands on his head. The icon of Anantha Padmanabha in Paniyadi belongs to the 14th century AD. At Keelinje, near Udupi, a similar icon is found that belonged to the 10th century AD.
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