Mylara Cult

• The recent discovery of two sculptures at Basrur, near Kundapura, in Udupi, Karnataka district has proved that the ancient Mylara cult existed in the coastal region.

FIRST SCULPTURE

• A mutilated but unique sculpture was found in a well at Basrur.
• It shows a royal hero sitting on the horse, holding a sword and a bowl in his right and left hands respectively.
  • But there is no Mylaladevi on the back of the horse.
  • The horse shown in sitting posture is also a uniqueness of this sculpture which resembles belonging to the 15th centry A.D.

SECOND SCULPTURE

• Another tiny stone tablet containing Mylara and Mylaladevi sitting on an ornate horse and both of them holding swords in their right hands was found in another water body, a tank.
• The sculpture resembles belonging to 17th century.

ABOUT BASRUR

• It was a historical trading city of the Medieval period.
• Trading guilds like Uhayadesi, Nanadesi and others actively participated in the trade.
• Basrur was a great centre of various cults.

ABOUT MYLARA CULT

• It is a religious tradition centered around the worship of deity named Mailara, who is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva.
• Mylara cult was very popular in the Deccan, particularly Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.