Carving of mythological Gandabherunda found at Vinukonda Narasimhaswamy temple

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has found a rare image inscription depicting mythological double-headed bird — Gandabherunda (a form of Lord Vishnu) — at a temple in Vinukonda in Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh, shedding fresh light on the region’s medieval history.  

Director (Epigraphy) in the ASI K. Muniratnam Reddy told The Hindu that the figure of Gandabherunda with some inscriptions on a stone slab was found found inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Narasimhaswamy temple in Vinukonda. The inscription is written in Telugu language and script dates back to Saka 1399, Hemalambi year, Karthika Sukla 10, corresponding to Thursday, October 16, 1477 CE.  

The Gandabherunda carving itself indicates the cultural prominence of the region at that time, the Director observed adding that it is a rare feature in Hindu religion. “This temple must have been one of the famous Vaishnava temples at that time. Because, only great temples generally have this kind of Gandabherunda carvings,” Mr. Muniratnam Reddy said.

According to the epigraphical record, the temple, its sikhara and the mandapa in front of the Sri Laksmi Narasimhaswamy temple were constructed by Sagi Gamnamanayini, dedicating the act for the spiritual merit of his parents, Gadanayani and Tippasani.  

The inscription also refers to a chief adorned with powerful epithets such as Karavala Bhairava, Puliya Markolu and Ganda Ganda Bherundan, indicating his valour and status.

The identification was made with inputs from a sculptor, Oppicharla Lakshmanachary, and a senior assistant in Revenue department Thurimella Srinivasa Prasad, from Darsi, Mr. Reddy added.