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104
INDUBALA NAHAKPAM
SAMBODHI
According to the Hindu mythology Brahmā has four face (epithet) but actually three are seen in this image and four hands in the standing position displayed in Madhuri Desai Gallery.
As an unique art work done during the Chola period, this Brahma image also possess a clearly differentiated stylistic convention with a strong affinity to the style of the famous Chola bronze images. This is very well illustrated as an example given in figure. This image not only represents the identical iconographic conception in all details, it is also a consummate apotheosis of static serenity and dignity, in the profundity of the facial expressions with wonderful sensitiveness.
The other iconographic studies reveals that the right hand possess aksamālā and kamandalu in the left hand.
Of the front two hands, one is already damaged (might be due to excavation from the area or transportation from the field of mishandling due to negligience) but the position can be of Abhaya mudra, the another hand is.in katyavalambita position where the hand is placed on or near the waist while standing. The arm is brought down straight and bent to bring the hand to the level of the loins and it indicates the dignity of bearing.
His head is adorned with the jatā-mukata decorated with ornamental crest or diaden, which signifies the power and glory. It is tall and tapering bedecked with many jewels. A decorative band encircles the head and in the mukata the moon is prominent which is very significant of the Chola jatā-mukata. The topmost pair of jatā locks combines to form a loop or matted hair at either end of the shoulder which becomes more schematic or symbolic of the image.
On his chest a sacred thread runs continously downwards touching the udarabandha which becomes an important ornament of the deity called as yajñopavīta
The keyura or an armlet is worn on the arm above the elbow and the necklace worn are very simple floral usually a broad kanthi with a large flower pattern and decorative flower designs. The hands are ornamented with kankana also called as 'valaya' and 'kataka', especially on the wrist, which are in circular shape.
