Residue of Buddhism in Western Karnataka

Abstract

Abstract: The existence of Buddhism in Western Karnataka also called Tulunadu has proved beyond doubt. The Natha Pantha, a branch of the Vajrayana form of Buddhism, existed in Kadri in Mangalore since the 9th or 10th century A.D. Both Udupi and Mangalore Districts are in the Tulunadu of coastal Karnataka. There are two concrete pieces of evidence of the existence of Buddhism in Udupi District. One is the image of the Buddha, of roughly 10th century A.D., found in Koppalangadi near Kaup in Udupi District. But it is worshiped today as Vasudeva. The second one is the basement of the Buddhist Stupa found at Ankadakatte near Kundapur in Udupi District. The other evidence of the existence of Buddhism in the District is a place near Kundapur called Buddanajaddu. Resemblance of Hariti, a female divinity Buddhism is also found here. Buddhism was widespread in western Karnataka during ancient times. Buddhist statues are found in various places like Kadri in Mangalore, Haigunda, Babruwada and Mulur-Udupi. Kadri also had a Vajrayana Buddhist Vihara.