Essay name: Vaishnava Myths in the Puranas
Author:
Kum. Geeta P. Kurandwad
Affiliation: Karnatak University / Department of Sanskrit
The essay studies the Vaishnava Myths in the Puranas by exploring the significance of the ten principal incarnations of Lord Vishnu as depicted in various ancient Indian texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas. The research also investigates the social, political, philosophical, and religious impact.
Chapter 5 - Iconography of Vaishnava Avataras
42 (of 51)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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surface and also by a number of aquatic animals like crocodile,
tortoise, etc. Near the bank of the river is seen a stout person with
a basket on his head, supported by his hands. In front of them is a
seven hooded serpent advancing twoards the opposite bank.
Nanda and Yasoda with Krsna and Balarama : This panel
on the Dasavatara temple at Deogarh shows Nanda and Yasoda
with the babes in their hands. A few cows are seen beside Yasoda.
Most important feature is the dress of Yasoda, typical of a
cowherdess. The dress is still prevalent among the milkmaids of
Saurashtra.
Several exploits are attributed to Krsna in his childhood but
all of them are not depicted in stone, and hence we come across
only the principal and popular events of his lfie, which are dealt
with in order of sequence.
Sakatabhanga : Once Yasoda had gone to the river Jumna
leaving the child Krsna slone playing under a cart in front of their
house. When Krsna felt hungry he started crying and throwing
his arms up and down, and with one of his legs he hurled down the
whole cart.
The depiction of this event has survived on some of the early
panels on temple walls. The famous Dasavatara temple at Deogarh
has a panel on its plinth showing a child reclining on a bed under
the cart which is being hurled down with its left foot. The cart has
