Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c11.40

v1.c11.40

Pl. XXXVIII and the fig. 2 on Pl. XXXIX represent images which are more or less of the same age as that on Pl. XXXVI; they do not seem to be far removed, in point of time, from the early Chālukya-Pallava period. The first of these is sculptured in great detail and with a characteristic vigour that is truly artistic. This figure of Varāha has four arms, and is seen to carry the Dēvī on one of the left elbows; this associated left hand and the corresponding right hand are clasped, while the other left hand is made to rest on the bent leg so as to be suggestive of the support needed to bear the weight of the goddess. The sculptor has strayed a little from his authorities in representing Ādiśēsha as supporting Varāha's two feet in the two palms of his hands instead of on the hood. This Ādiśēsha is in the attitude of āḷiḍhāsana. A whole world of Nāgas is sculptured in the adjacent slab, showing all the Nāgas as engaged in the act of reverencing Varāha with their hands held in the añjali pose. The wriggling snake-halves of the bodies of these Nāgas and Nāgiṇis make their life and activity manifest in a remarkable manner. Fig. 2, Pl. XXXIX represents a remarkable piece of art. The happy proportion of the parts of the body of Varāha, the delicate poise of the image, the minutely carved ornaments, the sculpturing of the Nāgas underneath an expanded lotus leaf so as to be suggestive of the pātāla-lōka, which is the abode of these beings, all these and many more features in the workmanship stamp the artist as a real master of his craft. That to this vigourous and highly powerful Varāha, the supporting of a Dēvi is like child's play, becomes patent by the ease with which she is shown to be held on his bent left hand. Another point which is artistically noteworthy is that the lotus leaf on the head of Varāha, which with its concave side turned down, serves as an umbrella, and indicates the god to be just rising up from the ocean. Alike for its effect and for its execution, this image is remarkable and praiseworthy.