Village abuzz over 1K-yr-old Bahubali icon

Bahubali, was the son of Rishaba, the first of the 24 ‘Theerthankaras’ of yore, according to Jainism. 

A bas-relief, a type of sculpture carved out of a hillock’s side portion has been worshipped for long by the locals as “Mottai Andavar,” a form of Lord Muruga at Kanakkuvelanpatti village about 

30 km from here. 

“During our recent visit to this village, we found that the bas relief situated at an elevation of about 25-30 feet is actually that of a Jain Theerthankara dating back to 10th Century AD,” archaeologist S Ramachandran said. 

Found in an upright posture, the Theerthankara is without any symbolic gestures and such a position is called “Kayoth Sarga,” said Ramachandran. He was formerly with the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department. 

The Theerthankara’s bas relief is about eight feet in height, and he is flanked by “Yakshas” (attendants) on both sides, he said. 

According to locals, they are Valli and Devasena, symbolic divine consorts of Lord Muruga.

Some archaeological enthusiasts who too visited the bas-relief said it could represent Bahubali. 

Standing in a straight posture, the Theerthankara is without any symbolic gestures and such a position is called “Kayoth Sarga,” said Ramachandran. He was formerly with the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department. 

On claims that the bas-relief could be Bahubali, Ramachandran who is also the co-founder of South Indian Social History Research Institute, said “Only Theerthankaras have three parasol above their head as a mark of reverence and sanctity.”