Underground Shrine Queens Stepwell Patan

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

Page 34

Siva
ornamented so also is His figure adorned with precious ornaments. Seated near His feet is the elegant, sturdy Nandi or the Bull, the vāhana of Maheśvara. It is the symbol of Dharma. On either corners are two devotees seated with folded hands in complete supplication. Behind the face is the orb, having lusture of the sun's rays. Umā is seated with great poise. She has put on rich ornaments, behoving a great queen. The surrounding frame has miniature deities, but they have become very indistinct due to erosion rendered by climatic conditions. But the image of seated Gaņeśa can be recognised in this frame.
Marriage of Siva is a very popular theme depicted with great ardour in major Siva Temples. In Ellora we have a big panel where Siva is holding Pārvati's palm in his hand in marriage-the pāņi-grahaņa. Viņņu is performing the Kanyādana ceremony while Brahmā as a priest conducts the Yajña and ordains the marriage ceremony. In the Madurai Temple of Meenākṣi the same theme is sculpted in black stone with superb grace and beauty. The bashful reflection on the face of Pārvati has all the natural charm and loveliness. This remarkable composition is famous as Kalyāņa Sundaram image. In the Queen's step-well also this composition is sculpted with similar grace but the atmospheric erosion has wiped away all the details. Only the composition is visible in the graceful rhythmic lines which deliniate beauty of the entire panel. The details of this composition are worn out and can not be recognised. The sculpted lines of grace still remain to tell us of the grandeur of this marriage ceremony of the divine couple.
Samyukta Images : Composite Images : There are a series of composite or samyukta images of Śiva where two forms are fused in one. At times three and four forms are also integrated. Thus maintaining the Vedantic unity in the duality, trinity or the quarternity of the Divine pantheon of God.
Hari-Hara is the image in which Siva and Visnu are fused together in one. The mūrtividhāna of this image is elaborated in Agni Purāņa (49-25). In Rūpāvatāra (6,32-41), Rūpamaņdana, Vişņudharmottara, Silpa Ratna and other important treatises, in the Hari-Hara pratimā the right side is Siva and left side Vişņu.
On the right side of the head we have the matted hair or Jațā of Siva while on the left is the kirita, tall crown of Visņu. References of Hari-Hara concept are found in the Vedic writings but ancient images are not found so far. The description of this unified form of Hari-Hara pratimā, is the same in the different treatises, yet a little difference is seen in the ayudhas or weapons they carry. In the Hari-Hara pratimā the right side is Śiva in blue colour. The pratimā has four hands. The two hands of Siva are holding triśūla and varadamālā while the left hands of Visņu are