A previously undocumented rock-cut shrine belonging to the Alupa Dynasty has been discovered in a dense forest patch near the Udupi coast. The shrine is carved into a single laterite outcrop and is dedicated to a syncretic form of Shiva-Lokeshvara. What sets this discovery apart is a series of elaborate friezes depicting Arabian dhows and maritime trade scenes, suggesting the temple was patronized by local merchant guilds.
The sanctuary includes a rare Gajaprishta (elephant-back) shaped roof, a hallmark of coastal Karnataka architecture. Inscriptions found on the entrance jambs mention a 'Sea-Lord' who granted revenues from port duties to maintain the temple's perpetual lamp. This find significantly expands our understanding of the maritime economy and its deep integration with religious institutions during the medieval period in South India.