Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals c10.10

c10.10

The charming group of human figures on Vishnu’s left is supposed by Dr. Groneman to represent Dasaratha, surrounded by his barren wives, receiving from Vishnu the magic potion. If this is a correct interpretation, the Javanese version of the legend must give Dasaratha four wives instead of three. But the bearded figure taken by Dr. Groneman for Dasaratha seems more like one of the Hindu *rishis* who are shown in other scenes in these sculptures. Possibly then this group really represents Râma and his three brothers being brought to the presence of the deity by Vashishtha, or Vishwamitra, the great *rishis* who were Dasaratha’s counsellors and spiritual advisers.