Ramayana through carvings
 |
| Hazara Rama temple, Hampi This magnificent carving in the Hazara Rama temple delineate's the wedding of Lord Rama to Goddess Sita and of his brothers, Bharata, Lakshmana, Shatrughan to Goddess Sita's sisters, Mandvi, Urmila and Shrutakirthi respectively. Such intricacy and attention to detail can only be seen in Hampi, which was the capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom. The most magnificent and perplexing moment occurred when I closely examined the Yajñōpaviīa thread found on the carvings of the four brothers. The three younger brothers' threads are all oriented to the left, but Lord Rama's thread is directed to the right. Could this be explained by the fact that Lord Rama was Lord Vishnu's incarnation? Was it because he was the oldest child? Or was it just etched to distinguish between the brothers' identities? Only the carver could have answered this question, because after all, it is his interpretation that causes the confusion. But sadly, this carver existed in the 15th century and it is impossible for us to travel 600 years back, to the glorious Vijayanagara empire. |
Very well written Niyati. Even though I have visited Hampi and may have seen this sculpture, but I didn't pay so much attention to the details.
ReplyDeleteLoved it!
Beautiful!! This place is officially added to my travel list
ReplyDeleteThis is very well written! It makes me want to pay more attention when I observe carvings in heritage sites. There is so much information that can be found through interpreting between the lines.
ReplyDeleteIntruiging indeed. And such a keen observation!
ReplyDeleteExcellent and intriguing observation. Truly you did bring out the distinction that one would miss in such carvings. Keep this going.
ReplyDeletethank you!
DeleteQuite facinated by the sculputures at hampi. Specially the elephants and also a smalller prototype that they built before making the final temple. Absolute craftsmanship, architecture and design
ReplyDelete