The Hindu Temple v2.c11.s6.1

v2.c11.s6.1

Surasundarī, which means Celestial Beauty,¹²⁵ is but one of the names and types in which the image of Śakti is carved on the walls of the temple. Śakti is Energy, the primordial Power and substance of the world. Māyā,—the visible world, measurable in its forms,—belongs to Brahman as Śakti (‘Vedānta Sūtra’ I. IV, 1-7). She is herself the “ability to act”,¹²⁶ her image is placed next to that of any of the gods. By her activity she attracts and helps the devotee; she is his guide and appeals to all. While every man is not equipped for riding the Śārdūla, he may be led by Śakti and grasp the meaning of her hands (hasta),¹²⁷ postures and actions. While the Śārdūla is the ‘angel’ of active man, the various images of Śakti assist his contemplative and passive nature. The images of Śārdūla (Vyāla), and Śakti are collateral; they alternate on the walls of the temples of Khajuraho and on the capitals of the pillars (Pls. III, XVIII). The rearing body of the animal and the shape of the woman are seen to sway in similar curves; they are one in nature and form though different in functions and appearance, for Śakti is Vāk, the “active power of Brahman proceeding from him” (RV. X. 125) and the Śārdūla is Vāk.