Brahmani

Brahmani

Pratihara Dynasty, 11th Century AD, From District Sorohi. Jaipur Museum.

         Generally Goddess Swaraswati is seen as the energy (Shakti ) behind Lord Brahma, the creator. However here we see the inner Shakti of Lord Brahma in a female form. Like Lord Brahma she has four heads. But unlike him, she seems to be dancing.  She is the kinetic energy of creation--ever active and ever moving. The creative process is full of vibrancy-- the inspiration,  the vision, the transformation of  the vision into something more substantial,  the process of transformation and concretization. It is not a passive form of energy. Hence Brahmini dances. 

        The feminine divine has an ancient ancestry in India-- from Indus Valley Civilisation to the upcoming Navratra next month. We are all worshipers of Shakti (energy). For the universe exists and dies due to energy.