Lord Brahaspati

Lord Brahaspati

East Ganga Dynasty, 13th Century AD,From Konark

             Brahaspati is the planet Jupiter.  As the largest planet in our solar system, it was well known to the ancient astronomers.  It funds prominence in ancient myths. In Hinduism Jupiter is the Guru of the demons; in Roman mythology, he is the supreme God, better know as Zeus in the Greek mythology.  

             As a 'guru' (teacher), Brahaspati is revered for his knowledge.  It is said that with his 'mantras' (chants), he could revive the dead as well. In astrology, he is considered a benign planet which influences the academic career of a person. A person with a strong Brahaspati on his horoscope is said to have a fine mind and generally goes either in academics or into administration.  

            Iconographically, Brahaspati is easy to recognise. For there are only three gods in Hindu pantheon who support a beard: Lord Brahma,  Agni ( the God of Fire), and Brahaspati.  He holds a rosary, which symbolises repetition of mantras, or in other words, meditation. The water pot he holds symbolises the ability to cleanse oneself of illusions and delusions. It is the holy water which cleans our sins. Water which is the elixir of life. He sits in the lotus position  (Padam aasan), as though he is about to reveal the secrets of life and about to unravel the mysteries of the universe.  Like a good teacher he has a beautiful smile, full of calmness and detachment.  The Guru has always occupied a central position in our society.  For it is they who convert the beast (demons) in us into divinity. He is the teacher of the demons 

Dancing Ganesh

Dancing Ganesh

Hoysala Dynasty,13th Century AD

           The Hoysala Dynasty although is a minor dyynasty compared to the Imperial Cholas, but the Hoysala artists have left a treasure trove for the country.  The Hoysala Kings were great builders who have left mind boggling temples at Belur,  Halibedu and Somnathampuram. The Hoysala temples dot the Karnataka landscape. 

           Unlike the rectangular floor plan of the Northern Indian temples, unlike the square floor plans of the Dravidian temples,  the Hoysala architect invented a new floor plan for the temples : star shaped. Two squat star shaped 'shikhars ' ( towers) are joined by a middle rib. The multiple walls of the stars gave ample surface to the sculptor to display his talent.

           And what a display it is ! Carved out of a soft stone, the soapstone, the sculptor could carve out the intricate details of the jewellery,  the foliage,  the body of the figure.  The Hoysala sculptures are known for its details, intricacy, for its flowing forms, and rhythmic patterns. The sculptor has carved the body of the stone,  the soul of the figures, the heart of Hindu  philosophy.  

          Lord Ganesh dances to the rhythm of music, to the sounds of the waves ( the Hoysala capital was Dwarsamudra ---the gateway to the sea). With the joyous dance of the Lord the entire universe seems to pulsate with energy and life. 

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.

Ceiling of Dilwara Temple Rajasthan

Ceiling of Dilwara Temple Rajasthan

13th Century AD

            Numerous ancient temple complex dot the hills and dales and the desert of Rajasthan : Osia in near Jodhpur , Kiradu in Barmer District, Eklingji in Udaipur.  But the best known temple complex are the Dilwara temples of Mt Abu. Made of white marble, intricately carved--like a filigree,  these temples are mind bogling.  Here we see a temple ceiling.  The thousand petal lotus is the center piece. It is said that when one reaches the highest state of meditation,  the mind blossoms like a thousand petal lotus. Hence this image on the ceiling. Like bees,  the celestial beings havor around this lotus. That is the power of the  mind. As the Urdu poet said, "make thyself so strong that even God should come and ask what is your wish." 

           Although Dilwara temples are known for their delicate carvings, but they are like a Kathak dance: full of technical perfection but without much substance.  The sculptures  are heavily laden with jewellery, figures frozen in stereotyped postures. But the lack the liveliness of the Khajaraho figures or the serenity of Chola Bronze.  These figures merely dazzle us with the virtuosity of the sculptor in using the chisel and the hammer. But somehow the breath of life is missing in these marble wonders.

Musician

Musician

Konark Temple, Eastern Ganga Dynasty,13th Century AD

             The roof of the Sun Temple at Konark is decorated with lady musicians. Here is a woman playing the cymbals. The sun rays spread over the sky like music wafting through the air. The sunrise and music are intermixed in our mind and  soul. For, both represent life, energy and creativity. Hence, the presence of musicians and dancers in Konark.

         The Konark sculptures are easy to recognise with their large almond like eyes, with their beautiful upturned smiles and their ornaments, especially the two large earrings in the ears. The grace, the style, the jewellery is also reflected in Odissi dance. To see an Odissi dance is to see these Konark figures come alive.

Lord Narsimha ( The third incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the half lion, half man)

Lord Narsimha ( The third incarnation of Lord Vishnu as the half lion, half man)

Hoysala Dynasty,13th Century AD

        The story of Lord Narsimha has caught the imagination of the Indian artists. While the sculptors of Ellora have captured the frightened look on the face of Harnakashyup when Narsimha touches him, the Hoysala sculptor has depicted the final moment of his death. 

        The story of Harnakashyup is important. Having gained the boon from Lord Shiva that he would not be killed either by man or animal, neither in daytime nor at night, neither inside a building or under the sky, he became demonic in his nature. Absolute power had corrupted  absolutely. But God has his way. A half lion, half man killed him at the threshold of the Palace at twilight hours.  Good always triumphs.

Lord Indra

 Lord Indra

Konark Temple, 13th Century AD

          The most important god for the Vedic people, Lord Indra is the God of rain. He holds a "vraj", a thunderbolt, in one hand, and a batton in the other hand. He rides the seven tusked white elephant, Aaravat. Lord Indra is the most powerful diety in the Vedas.  Since the Aryans were agriculturist, they were dependent on the rains. Like them even we wait eagerly for Lord Indra to arrive. 

          The Konark sculpture can be recognised easily with their upturned smile, their hair buns, and elaborate jewelry.  Here while Lord Indra rides on the elephant,  he is accompanied by his entourage of Apsaras and Gandharvas,  the celestial dancers and musicians respectively.  Mansoon is the season for dancing and singing as mother Nature rejuvenates herself. 

Mahisasurmardani ( Goddess Durga Killing the Demon Mahisasur )

Mahisasurmardani ( Goddess Durga Killing the Demon Mahisasur )

Hoysala Dynasty,13th Century AD

            One of the most beautiful and intricate carvings has been done by the Hoysala sculptors. Working with soapstone which is soft, they could carve fine details in the stone. Notice the elaborate jewelry of the goddess.  

            Goddess Durga is the eternal mother who protects us from all the evil. But psychologically she is the power within us who kills our evil thoughts and deeds. We only need to look inward to discover the shakti ( power ). 

A Nymph

A Nymph

Hoysala Dynasty,13th Century AD

        Belur, a famous Hoysala temple, has numerous nymphs who are either dancing, doing make up or even hunting. These sculptures depict the myriad moods of women. Here we see a young woman standing under a tree holding one of its branches. The image of a woman holding a tree branch is ancient one in India going back to the Sanchi stupa of 2nd century BC.  Such a woman or "yakshini " was called "Salibhanjika" as she would hold a branch of the Sal tree. These Yakshini symbolised the mother goddesses who in turn stood for Nature, its  regenerative and creative powers. The feminine divine is a strong element in Hinduism. It points to the ancient ancestry of the religion. 

A Lady Musician

A Lady Musician

Konark Temple,Eastern Ganga Dynasty,13th Century AD

            Part of the Kalinga or Eastern school of architecture,  Konark temple is one of the finest temples of ancient India. Built in the form of a moving chariot, with seven horses and twelve giant wheels, the temples shows the imaginative leap of the architects.  The fact that the  main tower collapsed, however, points to the technical flaw in the design of the temple.  But nonetheless it is a mesmerising piece of architecture.  

          The temple is dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun god. The lady musician you see here are sculptures placed on the roof of the temple.  The heavenly musicians play the music as the sun chariot is pulled by the seven horses. 

          The Konark sculpture is easy to recognise as the women have a tied their hair in a tight bun, and have two large earrings in their ears. The eyes are almond like, and there is a subtle smile on their face. Even today Konark and Cuttack produce beautifully alive sculptures.