Essay name: Arts in the Puranas (study)
Author:
Meena Devadatta Jeste
Affiliation: Savitribai Phule Pune University / Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute Pune
This essay studies the Arts in the Puranas by reconstructing the theory of six major fine arts鈥擬usic, Dance, Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, and Literature鈥攆rom the Major and Minor Puranas. This thesis shows how ancient sages studied these arts within the context of cultural traditions of ancient India.
Chapter 4 - Sculpture in the Puranas
50 (of 64)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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- The seven mother goddesses (Sapta Mat峁沰as) viz. Brahma峁嚹�, Mahesvari, Kaumari, Vaisnavi, Varahi, Yogesvari and Laksmi are described in Matsya Purana Chapter 261. Saptamat峁沰膩s in a group with Kartikeya on left, of the usana period is found 55 at Mathura. The sapta Matrk盲s are often carved in relief
in a rectangular stone slab with the figures of Virabhadra and
G蓻nesa. The Matsya Purana says that arahmani is like Brahma,
with four faces and four arms, riding on a swan and holding a
water vessel. Mahesvari is like Mahesvara, having four hands
with the emblans Kapala, Sula, Khatvanga, having a Jata-mukuta
and a ball as her mount. Kaum膩r墨 is like Kumarn, riding on a
peacock, Vaisnavi is like Viam with Garuda as her mount;
having four hands and holding in them Safikha, Cakra, Gad膩 and
one hand in a Varada pose. Varahi is like varaha, sitting on
buffalo. Indran is like Indra, decked with dazzling
ornaments and holding Vajra, sula, Gad膩 in her hands.
Yoge svari is fierce, wearing the garland of skulls. Camunda
is sitting on the ass. Vinayaka should be depicted among these
Matrkas. The Agni Purana, Ch. 52 gives 64 yoginis which should
be represented as having eight or four hands and wielding arms
according to their own choice.
The
Gauri is depicted by the Agni Purana as possessing two
arms and three eyes and carrying a mace and a mirror.
three ayed but four-armed Parvati stands in the Samapadasthanaka
pose at Nalanda.
The images of Brahmani, Kaumari, Mahesvari, Varahi and
