Kurmastakadvyam

Author(s): Bhojdev Maharaj
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 11

Illustrations
Cover: Kūrma, symbol of stability, made of brass, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, used for placing in mandapas and front of temples, 20th century. Collection and photo by Devangana Desai
Figure 1: Kürma supports the Earth goddess who, in turn, supports the feet of Visnu, c. 11th century AD, Khajuraho Museum, Acc. No. 53. Unlike Varāha who is seen prominently upholding the Earth goddess, Kūrma does not show off, as the Avani - Kūrma Sataka states (verse 69), and is hardly seen while performing the arduous task of supporting the Earth goddess. Photo courtesy: Archaeological Survey of India.
Figure 2: Kürma with human face, holding a rosary, like a muni (sage). From Nachna, Madhya Pradesh, 6th century AD. Though this sculpture antedates the Satakas by 500 years, it conveys the same idea, expressed in the Avani - Kūrma Sataka (verse 30), of similarity of the kūrma with a muni. Photo courtesy American Institute of Indian Studies, Gurgaon.