Cave found near Paniyadi Temple creates public curiosity

Udupi, March 28, 2021: The laborers stumbled upon a cave-like structure when they were undertaking the renovation work of Paniyadi Temple.

Sri Lakshmi Ananthapadmanabha Temple at Paniyadi is situated about 3 km from Udupi city and is administered by Sri Puthige Matha of Udupi. The presiding deity is Ananthapadmanabha. The rare idol of Vishnu in the sitting posture on a seven-headed snake attracts the devotees.

Historian Late P Gururaj Bhat in his Studies in Tuluva History and Culture has referred to this deity as ‘Paravasudeva.’ The temple is said to be having a history of about 1000 years.

With Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Sripadaru and devotees deciding to renovate the temple, the work is underway.

On March 23 while the work for ‘Suttu Pauli,’ was in progress on the northern side the laborers suddenly found a huge crater below a stone like structure.

On examining it properly the people found that it was like a small cave-like structure. They suspected it to be a place where sages used to offer penance or religious activity.
While devotees believe that the cave and the temple must have a close bond, it is not yet clear as to what exactly it was.

Historian Late P Gururaj Bhat in his book ‘Tulunadu,’ refers to Paniyadi being one of the pre-historic sites near Udupi. He discusses in details about the Pre Historic ‘Pani,’ community and their settlements. The cave found in Paniyadi resembled the prehistoric rock cave.

When The Canara Post contacted historian Prof T Murugeshi, he too had a similar thought.
“It seems to be a Megalithic site. I can give a clear picture after I visit the place,” Prof T Murugeshi said.

Prof Murugeshi and his team have found many Megalithic and pre-historic sites in the region, especially in the Udupi district. He is likely to visit Paniyadi in a day or two.