Sculptures that speak the nature of religiosity and love

     One will be simply wonderstruck to hear that Tulunadu is a place that witnessed over 5000 temples and shrines.  Dakshina Kannada is a place more loved and developed by its people. Their religiosity and love for own land and nature have nurtured the district which has thrived in many areas such as education, business, industries and agriculture and farming, etc. Therefore what is Mangalore today is because of the hard work and creativity.Their contribution to literature, religion and culture is tremendous. The district has given great leaders and artists to the world. Having this as background one will be able to understand the wonders that the artist have done in the area of art and sculpture.

         Those who are ignorant and have no broader outlook about the Hindu Deities will not be able to perceive the meaning of the different forms of God. Yet most of the people including foreigners is able to appreciate the sculptures.  In Indian mythology there is a profound meaning for all the forms of God. The various forms of God arewell depicted through creative ways by the artists. Regarding the artists, though there is no record of all those who contributed to art and sculpture yet it is important to have some knowledge of the sculpture. The work of sculpture reminds us of the “DhyanaSlokas.”  The Slokas which are ancient in nature has reference in ShilpaSastras and Puranas. The Sculptors have expressed their art and devotion to God through their work which were made visible through metals, stone, wood or stucco. The Kadri Sri Manjunatheswara temple, one of the oldest temples is known for the bronze statues of different sizes.

Courtesy: TRADITIONAL SCULPTURE By M. Mukunda Prabhu