Underground Shrine Queens Stepwell Patan

Author(s): Jaikishandas Sadani
Publisher: B J Institute of Learning & Research

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Visņu: Avataras
who described dualism in the majestic nature as tender like a flower and adamantine like a thunderbolt. This character of the divine is very truthfully chiselled in this superb image of Visņu as Kalki avatara. Lord is described having 4 hands holding a powerful sword, the mace, the discus or cakra but in the fourth hand he holds an enigmatic bowl in which a maiden is pouring water. This horse is controlled by the reins which are wrapped round the hand that is holding the bowl. On his head is a tall crown kirita very suited for a sovereign or a cakravarti ruler. A large ear ring adorns his ear. The sparkling ornaments engraved are the neclace and long garland around the neck. Armlets and bracelets, adorn his arms and wrists. A dagger is tied around his waist. He has put on the warrior boots. A person behind him carries a royal umbrella and another person waves a chowri or wisp. His one foot is trampling the enemy, the fore foot of the horse tramples another adversary. One adversary, however, is seen bowing down or surrendering himself. He is depicted on the extreme corner near the rear foot of the horse. The miniature sculptures on the side frame and on the top, though a little indistinct are of the goddesses holding lotus-flowers thus heralding victory of the Lord Hari.
This is a large independent sculpture with a unique composition. The motif of a woman offering water to the Lord for quenching thirst is so very appropriate when Lord is passing by a step-well, a water reservoir. Mankodi sees in this maiden, Queen Udayamati rendering service to Lord Visņu in Kalki avatara when he passes by this most spiritual step-well. Kalki avatara is described in Agni Purana as under :
Mounted on horse holding sword, conch, discus and mace; while Rupamaṇḍana describes him as mounting the horse with drawn sword.
We are also reminded of our modern philosopher S. Radhakrishnan who named his book dealing with future of civilization as 'Kalki'. You can see these beautiful divine images no sooner you enter Queen's step-well on the left and the right side fully lighted by the bright sunlight in the morning.
As we behold the grand images of Dasa Avataras perfectly chiselled by the artists of Queen's step-well we become aware of their love, dedication and devotion to Lord Visņu. Their profound understanding and feelings are aptly expressed in these masterpieces.