Udupi: Hundreds of people from in and around Malpe area are thronging to the banks of the River Kalmady to see a huge wooden log, that has suddenly appeared. It is believed that the log has a spiritual connection with Panjurli deity.  According to locals, its a jackfruit tree that is about 400-500 years old which was under water for many years. The special attraction is that it is 35 feet long and 10 feet in circumference. More important however is the legend behind the tree.

A spiritual connection

About 500 years ago there lived a woman named Baggu Moily. To continue their family profession, she had asked her brothers to build an oil mill. So they went to Marne village 20 miles away from thier house and cut a tree which is said to be jackfruit tree. The tree was cut into three logs and was later brought to Kalmady through the river. Of the three logs, two of which were floating in the river, were used to construct the mill and was given to their sister. Interestingly, according to legend, a deity named Panjurli was living in the same tree. People built a temple near Kalmady and when it showed its power, they started worshipping it. From then on the deity was called as Baggu Panjurli. The place is called as Baggu Munda, in Tulu it means sea shore and port is called as Munda.

Tree power!

The huge log got stuck in a Hitachi machine at 20 ft depth while third phase work of Malpe port expansion project was in process. The log was lifted from under the water and now it has created so much curiosity among the locals.

The truth behind this huge wooden log is unknown even though it is true that it was under water for many years. Nobody knows how many years it was under water and if it had been there for 500 years, how it didnot get rotten…What type of tree is it? These questions remain unanswered. Perhaps the archealogical department can take some initiative in this regard and if necessary preserve it.