Warrior

Warrior

13th century CE, Bhopal Museum

           Warriors are an important class in every community and country. It is they who keep us safe from external invasions and internal disturbances. They have been praised in literature; they have inspired generations; they have adorned the pages of world history-- from Ramses II of Egypt to Alexander the Great, from Julius Ceaser to Samudragupta of India, from Neapoleon to General McCarther of USA. 

           Dronacharya, in Mahabharata, was not only a great teacher, but was also a great warrior and strategist. Yet he was killed. Lord Krishna was asked as to why Dronacharya had to be killed when he did no wrong. Lord Krishna says Dronacharya did many things wrong : although a Brahmin, he learned the use of arms; instead of teaching his students about diplomacy, about love and compassion, he taught them about war and only war; when the war began, although he was under no compulsion, he choose to side with the Kauravs. He had to be killed. 

           It is good to be a warrior, but a true warrior should also know the art of diplomacy.  Today war is raging all around us. Yet no one speaks of diplomacy.  People invade, kill, rape and butcher, blow up cities and spread terror. But the UNO,  the best agency for maintaining world peace has become a mute  spectator. Within our country polarisation is taking place, but no one speaks of fusion, of synthesis,  of peaceful cooperation and co - existence.  The ways of the warrior may be good, but too many wars annihilate civilisations.

Lord Surya ( The Sun God )

Lord Surya ( The Sun God )

Konark Temple,Eastern Ganga Dynasty,13th Century CE, National Museum, New Delhi

      Imported by the Kushan Kings in the 1st Century CE, from Iran, Lord Surya is a late entry in the Hindu pantheon. As Hinduism developed, He was fused with Lord Vishnu and came to be called Suryanarayan. 

       His western ancestry is reflected in His attire : usually He wears a squarish crown. He is the only god who is depicted with boots. He is shown either standing or squatting.  His chariot is said to be pulled by seven  "green" horses. 

       Amongst the nine planets in Hindu astronomy,  He is considered to be the most powerful.  Praying to Him is supposed to bring good health and great wealth. Even according to science tells us that vitamin D is essential for the body.

        With the rise of scientific temper, with industrial revolution, we had forgotten the importance of the Sun. But with concept of solar energy gaining ground, again Sun has become important. The wisdom of the ancients is dawning on the moderns.