Mangaluru, 3 Oct

As the controversial 'Mahisha Dasara' in Mysuru was being debated over its legitimacy and relevance, experts in coastal Karnataka have found conclusive evidence of the existence of Mahisha cult.

The Mahisha cult, a historically rich and unique tradition, continues to thrive on the west coast of South India, particularly in Karnataka. This ancient belief system finds its roots in a time when the region was ruled by powerful dynasties like the Alupas and the Vijayanagar Empire.

According to Prof T Murugeshi, retired Associate Professor in Ancient History and Archaeology at MSRS College, Shirva in Udupi taluk, the only known temple dedicated to Mahisha is situated in Barakuru, once the capital of the Alupa dynasty in Udupi district. He added that the presence of this temple underscores the deep cultural significance of Mahisha in the region.

The controversy surrounding the Mahisha cult, according to Prof Murugeshi, stems from a misinterpretation of the word Mahisha. In Puranic texts, the goddess is said to have slain Mahisha, who is often depicted as a demon.

However, Prof Murugeshi told PTI that the demonisation of Mahisha is a result of Vedic influence. The Vedic people, upon entering the South, viewed Mahisha and his followers as adversaries, particularly because Mahisha was seen as someone who resisted their spread and influence.

The term Mahisha has often been misunderstood as buffalo, reinforcing the idea of a demonic entity, he added.

But according to him, early inscriptions from the 8th and 9th centuries during the Alupa dynasty suggest a different narrative. Rulers from this period bore the title Mygesha or Mahige+Esha, which translates to lord of the earth or emperor. The feminine counterpart, Mahishi, refers to a queen. -PTI