Underground Shrine Queens Stepwell Patan

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

Page 45

7. GODS AND GODDESSES
Lores of gods and goddesses are very important in the unfolding of Indian culture. They convey to us the intellectual, social, ethical and spiritual values, that distinguished Indian culture in the committee of World Cultures. The gods are imbued with human and super human qualities. They convey to us the exalted spiritual attainment of mankind and at the same time some of the foibles and errors which gods and men commit. In the Vedic age the natural powers which men saw all around took human form and became associated with man for giving him succour and showering blessings on him. The Vedas have several Rcās or verses of beautiful poetry written in their praise and seek their benedictions for worldly gains and spiritual enlightenment.
We have already dwelt upon the beautiful images of the Trinity of the Supreme Godhead Visnu, Siva and Brahmā with their divine consorts or creative manifestations. Their superb images embellish the walls of Queen's step-well which make it an exquisite Underground-Shrine.
The Vedic and Purāņic literature about them is very fascinating. The lores of other gods and goddesses some possessed of high spiritual powers and ot ideal men, are rewarded in heaven for their meritorious deeds. Their images enhance the spiritual fervour. We allude some of the important images of gods and goddesses presented in the step-well.
Gaņesa is the most privileged god in the Indian Pantheon. He is “Omkāra Swarūpa." It is precisely for this reason that Vedic mantras commence with Omkāra. Rgveda alludes to Ganesa as Ganapati (2,23,1), He is the most popular god and is the son of Siva. His image is found in every Siva Temple and there are several independent temples of Ganeša also.
There is a very impressive standing image of Ganesa in Queen's step-well. Though he has a robust and bulky figure, he is depicted as balancing on the left foot. This adds to the charm of the typical composition. He has four hands holding a broken tusk, a battle axe, a lotus and a cask of sweets. He is shown as wearing sparse ornaments. A dwarfish man is standing near his feet on the right side. On the left side, near his feet, is a standing mouse eating sweets. In the surrounding frame