Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v6.c40.s21: Chapter LX: Riding Animals of the Gods : The Goose (Vāhana-vidhāne Haṁsa-lakshaṇa)

Mānasāra Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Mānasāra-Śilpaśāstra; III. Mānasāra on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Mānasāra: Translation; V. Architecture of Mānasāra: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v6.c40.s21

Language: English

Chapter LX: Riding Animals of the Gods : The Goose (Vāhana-vidhāne Haṁsa-lakshaṇa)

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RIDING ANIMALS OF THE GODS : THE GOOSE

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The chapter opens with the announcement that the *vāhanas* of the Triad (*Trimūrti*) will now be described. But only one of them, namely, the Goose (*haṁsa*), is described in this chapter, the other three, the Garuḍa, the Bull, and the Lion being described in the next three chapters. In these four chapters, the term *vāhana* is used to designate the various animals and birds used by the gods and goddesses for riding.

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The goose is the *vāhana* of Brahmā. The limbs of the goose are said to be measured in the largest type of the *dvi-tāla* system. The details of this system are described minutely. The goose is white all over, with red legs and golden beak.

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The chapter closes with the statement that rows of geese should be beautifully carved or painted in the temples of the gods and in the mansions of Brahmans and kings; they are figured on the entablature (*prastara*), on the upper part of the *uttara*, on the *kūṭa*, *nīḍa*, and *grīvā* (neck).

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THE GARUḌA (*Garuḍa-lakshaṇa-vidhāna*)¹

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¹ The Garuḍa is a mythical bird, the sovereign of the feathered tribes and the enemy of the serpent (*Nāga*) race. There is a tradition that Garuḍa is the son of Kāśyapa and Vinatā. Hence the metronymic Vainateya, by which he is often designated. The myth of the birth of Garuḍa is told in the *Mahābhārata*, *Ādi-parva*, Chapter XVI.

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The chapter opens with a lengthy discussion on the application of the rules of *āyādi-shaḍ-varga*, in order to reconcile various comparative measurements suggested for the Garuḍa and other riding animals of the gods.

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Garuḍa is the *vāhana* of Vishṇu. His limbs are measured in the *nava-tāla* system, the details of which are given in a previous chapter. He is figured in an erect or sitting posture, and as meditating on Vishṇu with joined palms. The arrangement of his various limbs and their colour, etc., are described at great length. The Garuḍa is figured partly as a human creature and partly as a bird. He is provided with feathers, with wings painted in five colours, and with a beak (*tuṇḍa*); but, on the other hand, the description refers to his arms (*prakoshṭha*), his ears, and hair (*keśa*). He wears various ornaments (*sarvālaṅkāra-saṁyukta*), including a diadem of the kind called *karaṇḍa* (lit. a basket), and is gorgeously painted in a great variety of colours. He is described as being of a terrific appearance (*ugradṛiś*). His worship is stated to be conducive to the destruction of the enemy (*śatru-nāśa*).

Linked texts (1)

Mahābhārata — Vyāsa, Sanskrit