Headless Buddha sculpture and ancient caves unearthed near Kadri temple in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: In a major archaeological revelation, a headless Buddha sculpture and three ancient rock-cut caves have been discovered near the Kadri Manjunatha Temple in Mangaluru. The findings have been confirmed and documented by Prof. T. Murugeshi, retired Associate Professor of Ancient History and Archaeology at MSRS College, Shirva.

Buddha image found in temple tank

The headless Buddha statue, dating back to 4th–6th century A.D., was recovered from a temple tank in a corroded condition, lying in neglect. With the permission of temple administrator Arun Kumar, the statue was carefully removed for further study.

Despite damage to the head and right hand, the sculpture retains its serene artistic presence, seated in Padmasana pose with hands in Dhyana Mudra. The upper cloth (uttariya) is faintly visible over the chest. According to Prof. Murugeshi, the Dhyani Buddha statue exhibits stylistic and symbolic features strongly aligned with Mahayana Buddhism, confirming its identity and historic roots in the Kadri region.

The image stands approximately 68 cm in height and 48 cm in width, and is believed to have once been the presiding deity of the site before its transition to Shaivism.

Caves above the Kadri tanks

In addition to the statue, a group of three rock-cut caves were identified on the eastern side of the Kadri tanks. These caves are carved into laterite above ground level and resemble residential structures used by Buddhist monks.

• The first cave features a semi-circular porthole entrance, an 8-foot-high chamber with a small niche for a lamp, and a resemblance to Megalithic Dolmens.

• The middle and third caves include high plinths and twin square entrances, each leading to square rooms.

• All caves have sloped canopies with water drainage holes, suggesting thoughtful design for habitation during monsoon seasons.

Cultural and historical implications

The discovery strengthens evidence of Kadri’s ancient Buddhist heritage, which has long been debated. The Buddha statue and caves provide tangible proof of Mahayana Buddhist presence in Mangaluru, dating back to at least the 6th century A.D., and possibly earlier. The findings mirror similar Buddhist imagery found in Goa’s Colvale, now housed in the Fr. Heras Institute in Mumbai.

Prof. Murugeshi pointed out that Kadri was a significant Buddhist centre until the 10th century, as corroborated by inscriptions of Alupa King Kundavarma on the Lokeshwara image in Kadri temple. The transition from Mahayana to Vajrayana Buddhism, followed by displacement by the Natha cult in the 11th century, is now better understood due to this discovery.

Urgent appeal for preservation

Calling the artefact and caves “rare antiquities of South Asian Buddhist importance”, Prof. Murugeshi has appealed to the Karnataka State Department of Archaeology to intervene immediately and secure the site for preservation and research. He also credited a dedicated team of young archaeologists and students—Mr. Shreyas Kolpe, Shreyas (Lecturer), Mr. Karthik, and Ravindra Kushwaha—for assisting in the fieldwork.

The discoveries promise to reshape understanding of Tuluva history, early Buddhism on India’s west coast, and Kadri’s layered spiritual past.