Prasadhan Sevika– 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:

Prasadhan means makeup, and Sevika means the one who helps with makeup. In simple words, it means a makeup woman of the queen.

Prasadhan Sevika is standing in a abhanga mudra. Her body is leaning towards the left as she is carrying a plate of makeup material or other stuff. She is holding a purse-type bag in her left hand. The smile on her face adds to 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.