Maharaja Narsimha on a Swing in His Harem

Maharaja Narsimha on a Swing in His Harem

Eastern Ganga Dynasty, 13th Century AD,Konark, Odisha

             Maharaja Narsimha was a great builder of temples. The temple at Konark in Odisha was built by him. The existence of sculptures depicting him in his daily activities are unique. For they not only give us an insight into the royal life, but also tell us about the Indian view of life. Here we see him sitting in a swing with his Ranis.  Swings inside the houses are still popular as in Gujarat. Therefore, one can imagine such swings in the royal harem as well. 

            Many have wondered why such "domestic" or even "erotic " scenes are depicted in Indian temples? The reason is simple: to depict one of the four stages ( 'Ashrams' ) of life, Grahasth (householder ) ashram. 

            Such sculptures also had a political message: all is well in the Kingdom as the Royal family is happy. This is similar to the Royal family of England coming out on the balcony  of the Buckingham Palace to wave the the cheering subjects.

Varunani (Goddess of the Ocean)

Varunani (Goddess of the Ocean)

Eastern Ganga, 13th Century AD,  Konark,  Odisha

          In the Vedas Varun is one of the great four gods. According to many, He is the creator. According to some, He is the God of ocean. He is generally shown riding a mixed animal who has the legs of a lion, has a tusk of an elephant,  the tail of a fish. This creature merely suggests that life is a mystery,  it is full of contradictions, but it is acceptable.  

         Varunani is the Shakti (energy) of God Varun. She holds a noose in one hand so as to symbolise her ability to catch and hold things. She too sits on a hybrid animal called "Makar." This animal is also the symbol for Capricorn sign of the zodiac.

        The Konark sculptor has produced some of the most ornate and lively sculptures of India.  The eternal soft smile on the face imparts a sense of compassion and serenity to the divine figures. The art of Konark was to influence the art of Java and Sumatra where the Oriya fleets went for trade.