Studies in Indian Art c14.s3.2

c14.s3.2

The scene represented relates to Samudramanthana, churning of the ocean by the Devas and the Asuras. The cosmic serpent Vāsuki was used by them as the churning rope, Mount Mandarāchala was employed as the churning stick and its end rested on the back of the cosmic tortoise. The story says that the gods were relegated to hold the tail portion of the serpent as a mark of their receiving inferior treatment from the Asuras, who caught hold of the head of the serpent by virtue of their being of elderly rank. In the picture we find eight Deva figures holding the long body of the serpent and using their strength to pull it to their side. The figures have matted locks and beards. The bodies of the first two are shown slanting with the feet planted firmly on the ground and the busts exerting backwards. In between the first three figures there appear two more heads probably attendants or spectators. The third figure is wearing a *langoti* and the serpent passes under his right arm. His serious-looking long drawn face is the work of a master, and the same can be said of the face of the fourth oldish figure posed in tension. This figure has a long beard and a top knot and is holding the serpent with both hands, the right elbow showing a sharp angle. The fifth figure is rather of younger age. The sixth figure is standing in an opposite way, with its back to the visitor, the serpent passing under his armpits. The next two figures are facing towards and standing nearest to the churning stick.