Udupi: A 31-foot bronze statue of Sri Madhava Mangala Pujarya, regarded as the ninth and last hereditary Kulaguru of the coastal Karnataka Mogaveera community, was unveiled at Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Uchila, Udupi district, on September 25.

Minister for Backward Class Welfare and Kannada and Culture Shivaraj S. Tangadagi unveiled the statue in the presence of community leaders and other dignitaries.

The statue has been installed as a tribute to Sri Madhava Mangala Pujarya and the long Guru tradition associated with the Mogaveera community. The community’s Guru lineage is said to have continued for nearly 1,000 years across nine generations.

Statue built using 14,000 kg of bronze

The 31-foot statue has been constructed using around 14,000 kg of bronze at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore.

The installation followed a resolution passed by the Mogaveera community. An Ashtamangala Prashne, a traditional form of astrological consultation, was also conducted, following which the installation of the statue at Sri Mahalakshmi Temple was recommended.

The statue is expected to become an important landmark at the temple and a reminder of the religious and social contribution of the Mogaveera Guru lineage.

The scale of the installation reflects the importance attached by the community to preserving the memory of its last hereditary Kulaguru.

Sri Madhava Mangala Pujarya was last Kulaguru

Sri Madhava Mangala Pujarya was the ninth and final hereditary Kulaguru of the coastal Karnataka Mogaveera community.

According to community representatives, the Guru lineage dates back nearly 1,000 years and played an important role in guiding the community on religious and social matters.

The lineage came to an end with the death of Sri Madhava Mangala Pujarya on March 31, 1966.

Community leaders said the statue would help preserve the history of this tradition for future generations and provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the community’s religious heritage.

Statue unveiled at Sri Mahalakshmi Temple

The unveiling ceremony was held at Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Uchila, which is an important religious centre in the coastal region.

Tangadagi participated in the ceremony along with community representatives and elected representatives from the region.

Dakshina Kannada Mogaveera Mahajana Sangha president Jaya C. Kotian spoke about the history of the Guru tradition and the significance of the installation.

Honorary adviser G. Shankar, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary and MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty were among those present during the ceremony.

Community heritage and religious tradition

The installation is being seen by community leaders as an effort to preserve the historical and religious heritage of the Mogaveera community.

The Guru tradition traditionally served not only religious functions but also had a social role within the community. The nine hereditary Gurus are associated with the spiritual guidance of the Mogaveera community along the coastal Karnataka region.

With the final Guru’s lineage ending in 1966, the new statue provides a permanent representation of the tradition at a prominent temple in Uchila.

Community representatives said the installation could also help younger generations understand the history of the Guru lineage and its role in the community.

Expected to attract visitors

Apart from its religious importance, community leaders believe the statue could contribute to tourism around the temple.

The 31-foot bronze structure is expected to attract devotees and visitors interested in the history of the Mogaveera community and the Guru tradition.

Uchila’s location in coastal Karnataka also places the statue within a region known for its temples, beaches and cultural heritage. The addition of a large heritage-related installation could provide another point of interest for visitors travelling through Udupi district.

The project therefore combines a commemorative purpose with an effort to preserve and showcase community history.

A tribute to a centuries-old lineage

The unveiling of the statue marks an important moment for the Mogaveera community, particularly in remembering the final hereditary Kulaguru and the lineage that preceded him.

Built with around 14,000 kg of bronze, the 31-foot statue is intended to serve as a lasting tribute to Sri Madhava Mangala Pujarya and the religious and social traditions associated with the Mogaveera community.

The installation at Sri Mahalakshmi Temple is also expected to preserve awareness of the Guru lineage among future generations while adding a new heritage attraction to Uchila.