During the ongoing restoration of an ancient shrine in Udupi district, conservationists discovered two rare idols of Vishnu and Lakshmi featuring unique ivory cores. The temple, built during the Alupa Dynasty in the 10th century, was undergoing structural repairs when a hollow space within the main pedestal was identified. The idols are encased in bronze but have a structural interior of carved ivory, a technique rarely seen in South Indian temple arts.
Local historians state that the use of ivory suggests a high degree of royal patronage and ties to maritime trade routes where such materials were highly valued. Dr. K. Raghavan, the lead archaeologist, noted that the temple's granite pillars also show traces of a long-lost mineral-based blue pigment. The restoration team is now focused on stabilizing the sanctum while ensuring the delicate ivory-cored figures are preserved in a humidity-controlled environment.