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IS THIS SCULPTURE OF KRISHNA OR VARAHA? READ FURTHER TO KNOW. ![]()
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An indologist is always on the lookout for some interesting sculptures, no matter where he/she is. When I was on a pilgrimage with family, I noticed this interesting Sculpture in a small village named Likasan, in the Didwana district of Rajasthan.![]()
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The same sculpture was carved on 4 broken pillars, that stand in a corner of recently renovated temple. All of them are broken in some parts, but when we study them as a group, we can identify Shankha (conch), Chakra (wheel) and Gada (mace). These icons assert that this is Vishnu in one of his forms. What is interesting is the fourth object, held in the top right hand of the deity. ![]()
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If we consider it to be a mountain, this could be said to be a Sculpture of Krishna, holding the Govardhan hill. This would also justify a cow carved around the feet of the deity. When we observe other similar sculptures in Hoysala region temples, we witness that the hill is much larger than the deity.![]()
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If we consider it to be a representation of the Bhudevi or the Earth, this would be a Sculpture of Varaha. In that case, the cow near the leg would be a representation of the Earth. (Prithvi is represented as a cow, being milked by Pruthu, the first king on the land). However, it doesn't make sense to represent earth with two different iconographical representations.![]()
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The face of all figures were broken by invaders. So can't really assertain if this is Krishna or Varaha. What do you think? Let me know your views.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials are excavating the one-kilometre-long Pan Supari Bazaar stretch between Hazara Rama Temple and Shrungarada Hebbagilu (Beautiful Main Entrance) at Hampi in Vijayanagar district.![]()
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They believe this stretch of road, called ‘Pedda Angadi Veedhi’ (Big Shop Street) during the Vijayanagar period, is where gold and other precious metals were sold during the peak of the massive medieval South Indian kingdom.![]()
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In the last 10 days of excavation, they have unearthed potsherds, like redware, greyware and porcelain. A terracotta bead and a coin, made of either bronze or copper, said to be belonging to the 15th century, have also been found. The excavation is based on the chronicles and epigraphs found in various temples, monuments, and books by travellers.![]()
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Most of the research at Vijayanagar has focused on the city’s southern, western (most extensively worked area) and northern regions. The eastern part of the city is relatively less explored. Inscription on temples and records of foreign travellers gives indisputable evidence of a thriving marketplace at a place which is now known as Pan Supari Bazaar.
This week, in the world of Culture and Heritage.![]()
Follow Dr Dinesh Soni for more updates and information about culture and heritage.![]()
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#culturenews #heritage #HeritageNews
This week, in the world of Culture and Heritage.![]()
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Follow Dr Dinesh Soni for updates about culture and heritage.
HOW SCIENCE AND RELIGION HAVE WALKED HAND IN HAND ![]()
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There is a fascinating scientific monument in the ancient Somnath Temple of Gujarat. On the south side of the temple, overlooking the sea, is a pillar called the “Baan Stambh.” An arrow is built on the top of the pillar, which points towards the sea. Though there is no speicifc mention about when this pillar was built, it is mentioned in some ancient books from as early as the 6th century.![]()
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An inscription carved on the pillar in Sanskrit reads:आसमुद्रांत दक्षिण ध्रुव,पर्यंत अबाधित ज्योर्तिमार्ग (“There is no earth terrain from this point of the sea to the South Pole”).![]()
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Now, the fascinating fact is that if you start travelling from Somnath Mandir towards the south, you will not find any mountain or piece of land until you reach the South Pole (Antarctica), 10,000 km away. This raises the intriguing question: how did our ancestors know this fact in the 6th century or thousands of years before that?![]()
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The accurate placement of the Baan Stambh in line with the cardinal directions reveals the deep knowledge of ancient Indian astronomers. Its alignment with the southernmost point and celestial bodies makes it very significant in astronomy. This architecture shows how spirituality and science were closely connected in Indian culture.![]()
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#somnath #bannstambh #ancientindianscience