13th-century ‘Garuda-Nandi’ pillar found in Karnataka's Haveri

BENGALURU: A rare pillar, showcasing harmony in the 13th century, has been discovered in Malagund village, Hanagal taluk of Haveri district. Known as the ‘Garuda-Nandi Kamba' in Kannada, the pillar stands out for its depiction of both Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions. It features an image of Nandi, the sacred bull and vehicle of Lord Shiva, on its top, with Garuda, the eagle mount of Lord Vishnu, accompanied by the conch and chakra — symbols of Vaishnavism — below it.
The inscription on the pillar, written in Kannada script and language, is brief. It warns that anyone violating the religious sanctity of Lord Harihara's village, ‘Malligunda', will lose their progeny. Despite its brevity, the inscription provides valuable historical insight, according to Dr R Shejeshwara, director, department of archaeology, museums, and heritage, Kamalapura-Hampi.
"The inscription records the name of the village granted to the temple, the temple's name, and a curse upon those who attempt to destroy it," he explains. ‘Malligunda', the ancient name for Malagund, was endowed to the temple of Lord Harihara — a fusion deity combining Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva).
The simplicity of the inscription extends to the referenced ‘temple'. Dr Shejeshwara says, "Temple construction was an expensive endeavour even in the 13th century. When sufficient funds were unavailable, a ‘kamba' (pillar) was erected in an open space and declared a sacred site. Thus, the temple mentioned in the inscription is, in fact, the pillar itself."
The ‘Harihara' tradition is a distinctive element of Kannada culture, with similar pillars discovered in other locations, including Harihara (Bilsanuru village), Ranebennur (Guddahosalli and Nadiharalahalli villages), and Hirekerur. "The Nandi-Garuda pillar tradition is prevalent on both sides of the Tungabhadra river, reflecting efforts to unite the Shaiva and Vaishnava communities," Dr Shejeshwara says.
This inscription, and by extension, the pillar, dates to the reign of the Sevunas (Yadavas of Devagiri), who ruled the region in the 13th century.