Mrig Jataka : Taking Away the Golden Deer
Ajanta Caves,Gupta Period,5th Century CE
A golden Deer, a Bodhisattva, found a hunter lost in a jungle. He guided the hunter to his village. He told the hunter not to reveal his existence to anyone. The hunter promised to do so. But the moment he reached his village, he informed the King's men. They informed the King. Meanwhile the Queen saw a golden deer in her dream. She told the King to search for the golden Deer. The hunter led the King into the jungle. The golden Deer was captured and brought before the King. The King was astonished when the Deer told him that the hunter had broken his promise. The King ordered that the hunter be killed. But the Deer interceded and asked the King to spare the hunter's life. The King relented. The King told the Deer about the Queen's dream and asked the Deer if he would return with him to the court. The Deer left with the King. He taught the Dharma to the people and brought peace and prosperity to the kingdom.
In this painting we see the Deer being carried away in a cart. The hunter follows the cart. Notice the dog by the hunter's legs. A rare depiction of a dog in Indian art.
The story is full of morality. It is about betrayal for money; it is about greed. It is about compassion; it is about establishing Dharma ( righteous duties).
Deepavali is also about establishing Dharma over Adharma (evil acts). We must preserve, protect and propagate Dharma, the golden Deer.
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