Tue Jun 24 06:54:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

An antique lamp, dating back to the 15th century, has been discovered in the Anantapadmanabha temple in Perduru, Udupi district, Karnataka, India. The lamp features rare sculptures depicting both Shaiva (Shiva-related) and Vaishnavaite (Vishnu-related) deities. The lamp’s intricate carvings narrate Puranic stories, including Lord Shiva’s destructive dance and the gods’ plea for protection to Lord Anantapadmanabha (Vishnu). A retired professor of ancient history and archaeology believes the lamp was donated in 1456 A.D. and offers a unique insight into the blended religious practices of the time, especially the worship of Khadga Ravana, which is a deity worshiped in the temple even today.

**News Article:**

**15th-Century Antique Lamp with Shaiva-Vaishnavaite Sculptures Unearthed in Karnataka Temple**

**MANGALURU, INDIA – June 24, 2025** – A remarkable antique lamp, believed to be from the 15th century, has been unearthed at the Anantapadmanabha temple in Perduru, Udupi district, Karnataka. The discovery is significant due to the lamp’s rare and intricate sculptures depicting both Shaiva and Vaishnavaite deities, offering a glimpse into the religious landscape of the era.

Dr. T. Murugeshi, a retired professor of ancient history and archaeology, has examined the lamp and identified it as a unique blend of Shiva and Vishnu iconography. He believes the lamp, which was donated by Basavannaras Banga to the temple in 1456 A.D. and as per stone inscription, reflects the daily rituals of both cults within the temple.

The lamp features two faces. One face portrays Lord Shiva in his Nataraja form, surrounded by other figures including Parvati, Ganapati, and Khadga Ravana. According to Dr. Murugeshi, this scene depicts the Pralya Tandava, Lord Shiva’s dance of destruction.

The other face showcases Brahma, Indra, Anantapadmanabha (Vishnu), Agni, and Varuna. This scene narrates the story of the gods seeking protection from Lord Anantapadmanabha from Shiva’s dance. The base of the lamp depicts Garuda and a seated Lord Shiva praying to Lord Anantapadmanabha.

“This single piece of lamp has two faces, and has narrative sculptures of a Puranic story,” explained Dr. Murugeshi. “It narrates that the gods, out of fear (because of destructive dance of Lord Shiva), went to Vaikunta, the abode of Narayana, and prayed for protection of the three worlds. The Lord Anantapadmanabha, who is the protector of the three worlds, makes Lord Shiva calm.”

The presence of Khadga Ravana, a deity still worshipped in the temple today, seated on the shoulders of Goddess Mari, adds another layer of interest to the discovery. The lamp promises to be a valuable artifact for understanding the religious and cultural history of the region.

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