Darpana – Sursundari of Rajarani Temple

Sursundari Information:

Sursundaris are the beautiful lady sculptures in the temples. Some call these beautiful ladies Apsaras, Kanika, Ganika, Maiden, Shilambhajika, etc. The names given by authors or websites are not always true. For example, Apsaras played a major role in Hindu mythology. Apsaras like Menaka, and Rambha played major characters and were reasons for many events. They were not just damsels or beauty pieces.

Sursundari is the most appropriate description and name for such sculptures which represent the eternal beauty of the lady and offer a cultural glimpse.

Sculpture Information:

A divine lady is standing on a lotus pedestal with a darpan. Darpan means a mirror, and Darpana means the one with a darpan or mirror or who is looking into the mirror.

She is leaning on her left foot. A dwarf-sized man is kissing her hand. Irrespective of the surroundings, Darpana’s focus is in the mirror. The smile on her face shows her admiration for her beauty. Her hair is well tied behind.

Rajarani temple dates back to the 1100th Century CE and is the best example of Kalinga Architecture (Kalinga Panchratha Style). It is built in a Rekha Deul format.