Kadu-Sharkara-Yogam of Ananthapura
The Kadu-Sharkara-Yogam (or Katu-Sharkarapaka) at the 9th-century Ananthapura Lake Temple in Kasaragod, Kerala, is unique and is an ancient and careful method of constructing temple idols.Unlike countless Hindu temples,here the idols are made from a unique blend of over 70 carefully-chosen medicinal herbs and clay. Hence they differ from traditional stone or metal idols or sculptures.The resultant composite medicinal compound is called Kadu-sharkara-yogam.They are said have spiritual and therapeutic value
The Ananthapura Lake Temple in Kasaragod is a unique one and is renowned for construction using Kadu-Sharkara-Yogam, an ancient and sophisticated Ayurvedic process. These idols are "living" repositories of medicinal science, crafted from a complex blend of natural ingredients. This traditional method ensures that the deity's form is not just a visual representation but a concentrated source of therapeutic and spiritual energy.
The Composition and Ingredients
The term Kadu-Sharkara translates to "decoction and sugar-like consistency," referring to the binding agent used in the mixture. The process begins with a wooden frame (Shoola) made from wood with medicinal properties, such as Sandalwood or Khayar (Acacia catechu). This frame is then wrapped in coconut fibers to give it volume.
 |
| Ananthapura Lake Temple,tripnetra.com |
 |
| Ananthapura Lake Temple,Kasaragod Kerala upload.wikimedia.org |
The primary medicinal layer consists of:
Ashtagandha: A sacred mixture of eight fragrant herbs including Saffron, Camphor, and Sandal.
Triphala: The combination of Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, known for their preservative and anti-fungal properties.
Natural Resins: Guggulu and Sal resin act as binding agents.
Mineral Elements: River sand, powdered granite, and processed lime provide structural integrity.
Herbal Extracts: Decoctions of various roots and barks, combined with jaggery and a specific type of earth, create the final "sugar-hard" consistency.
Spiritual and Scientific Significance
 |
| Idols made of medicinal herbs sattology.org |
The use of these ingredients is deeply intentional. The herbs act as natural purifiers of the temple environment, and the idol itself is said to emit subtle medicinal vibrations. Because the materials are organic, the idol is treated with extreme care; unlike stone, it cannot undergo traditional Abhisheka (liquid pouring), as moisture could damage the herbal composition.
Today, as the temple seeks to reinstall the original Kadu-Sharkara forms, the preservation of this nearly lost art is vital. It represents a unique intersection where Indian sculpture meets Ayurvedic pharmacology, making the Ananthapura Lake Temple a guardian of both faith and ancient science.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ananthapura_Lake_Temple#Crocodile
https://tripnetra.com/blog/ananthapura-lake-temple
https://sattology.org/content/katu-sarkara-yogam-the-ancient-technique-of-vigharha-making/
https://jaydeepbalaji.wordpress.com/tag/kadu-sharkara-yogam
K. N. Jayaraman
_at_Ananthasayanagudi.jfif)
