Panaji: The directorate of archaeology has acquired a Kalbhairav sculpture from Deulwada in Mandrem, Pernem, along with its pedestal, after the temple committee replaced the original idol with a new one. The sculpture, carved in schist stone, is believed to date to the 16th–17th century CE and will be preserved by the department.Additional director of archaeology Balaji Shenoy said the 52cm by 35cm sculpture depicts Kalbhairav standing with four hands, framed by a prabhavali(ornamental arch) featuring geometric designs. A dog is depicted on the deity’s left, while a human figure stands on the right. The deity wears a crown, has a moustache and is adorned with a necklace and a waist girdle.Bhairava sculptures are predominantly found in North India and display considerable variation in iconography. Although sculptures of Bhairava, Kalabhairava and Martand Bhairava have also been documented in Goa, the Mandrem sculpture is notable for its accompanying figures.Archaeologist Dipika Gaonkar, who served as the exploration officer for the find, said Bhairava represents a “fierce and terrifying manifestation of the universal destroyer”, which is the basic concept underlying this form of Shiva.“According to tradition, even Kala (time) fears him, which is why he is also known as Kalabhairava. He is traditionally associated with the region of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh,” she said.A portion of the sculpture’s pitha (pedestal) is broken and requires restoration. The department will clean the sculpture before housing it in a museum for preservation and public display. Further studies will be undertaken to establish a more comprehensive understanding of its iconography, chronology and cultural significance.“The department of archaeology will preserve this sculpture for posterity through scientific methods. It will also be made available to researchers exploring the iconography of ancient Indian sculptures,” Shenoy said.The sculpture was handed over by Hari Prabhu, president of Dev Sapteshwar Bhagwati Pramukh Panchayatan Devasthan, Deulwada, Mandrem. Shenoy said the department received an application from the temple committee requesting that the sculpture be acquired and preserved under govt of Goa.“Accordingly, we visited the site in Pernem and, based on its iconographic features and stylistic characteristics, identified the sculpture as having historical significance. The department then decided to acquire it,” he said.
