The Hindu Temple v2.c12.148

v2.c12.148

The highest of the three belts of sculptures is here the region of the Vidyādharas. The images of these wizards are carved flying singly, on the buttresses; and flying in pairs, with their consorts, in the recesses of the wall. They carry weapons (Pl. XXV) and garlands, brandish swords, play on musical instruments (‘vyālamukha vīṇā’, Pl. XXVII; ‘veṇu’, the bamboo flute, Pl. XXVIII), carry dance in their hands, flight in their legs (Pl. XXVI) and sentiment or detachment in their faces. Alike to angels they have the appearance of young boys, but they fly by a qualification of their wingless bodies; scarves accompany their movement and music. Its sound is as varied as is their form, which is of the purest mediaeval cast (Pl. XXVI), on the high level of serenity on which the images soar (Pls. XXV, XXVIII).