God Surya Introduction: Lord Surya is the god of the Sun. He is the ruler of the planets and one of the Adityas (son of Aditi). Sculpture Information: Surya on Chariot sculpture is one of the first depictions of Surya in a Hindu context and is located at the Virūpākṣa temple in Paṭṭadakal (Karnataka – […]
Surya on chariot at Virupaksha Temple (Pattadakal, Karnataka) Read More »
Varuni Introduction: Goddess Varuni, also known as Varunani, is a consort of Lord Varuna. She is the goddess of wine, who emerged during the Samudra Manthana (churning of the ocean) and chose Lord Varuna as her consort. Sculpture Information: Goddess Varuni is seated on her mount Makara (a mystical sea creature) in Sukhasana (a type
Lord Varuna Introduction: Lord Varuna, a significant deity in Hindu mythology, is often depicted as the god of the oceans and the cosmic order. In Vedic cosmology, Varuna is the deity who maintains the natural order and cosmic law, known as “Rita.” Varuna is also a Dikpala or guardian of the western direction. Sculpture Information: Lord Varuna’s
Introduction of Yama: Yama, also known as Kala and Dharmaraja, is the Hindu god of death and justice, responsible for the dispensation of law and punishment of sinners in Naraka. Lord Yama is one of the Dikpala (guardian of directions) and is the protector of South direction. Sculpture Information: Bearded Lord Yama is standing in
Introduction: Nirṛti also spelled as Nirruti or Nirriti, is a Hindu deity, personifying death, decay, and sorrow. Nirrti is regarded as a Dikapala (“guardian of the directions”) of the southwest. Sculpture Information: Dikapala (the guardians of directions) sculptures are the prominent feature of Rajarani Temple of Bhubaneshwar. God Nirrti’s image is located on the southwest direction of Rajarani Temple’s
Introduction Agni is the god of fire. Agni is one of the Dikpala and is the guardian deity of the Southeast direction. For the same reason, he is typically placed in the southeast corners of temples. He is generally shown as a strong-looking man, sometimes bearded, with a large belly because he eats everything offered
Naga-nagini sthambha, shaiva dvarapalas on the entrance doorjambs, and Lakulisas on the lintel of entrance of Rajarani temple are the one of the noted sculptures of the shrine. The portal of the jagamohana (the place from where pilgrims view the sanctum) of Rajarani Temple is flanked on either side by a large Naga-Nagin (male &
Jaya-Vijaya Introduction Jaya and Vijaya are dwarpalas (door keepers) of Lord Vishnu’s abode. There is an interesting story in Puranas about the curse by Kumaras to Jaya-Vijaya. Along with Garuda, Jaya-Vijaya are one the most common iconography of Lord Vishnu related temples. They can be seen at the entrance of such temples. Sculpture Information Just
The playful Radha and Krishna’s sculpture is located at Vishnu Temple of Siddheshwara in Newasa, Maharashtra (India). The sculpture is part of the temple’s Sabha Mandap designs which also has many other sculptures of Radha Krishna leelas. Krishna and Radha are showcased in an love action. Radha is gracefully looking at Krishna while he holds her left
Lord Vishnu temple is located within the primary temple of Lord Shiva – Siddheshwara in Toka village near Newasa, Maharashtra (India). The temple was built by Peshwas around 1767 in Hemadpanthi style. Lord Vishnu idol in the abode looks satisfying with his attributes and precise carving. Lord Vishnu is holding his prime attributes like Panchajanya Shankha, Kaumudaki Gada, Sudarshan