Incredible Imagination - not just Artistry

In this post, we will discuss the depiction of the 3rd Avatar of Vishnu, Varaha. The incredible imagination of the sculptors of the Hoysala Empire is shown in this work of Varaha lifting Bhudevi, after killing Hiranyaksha and his army. At the Hoysaleshwara temple, built in the 12th century at Halebidu (then called Dwarasamudra), is one of many sculptures of this event - yes, it is carved in different ways in 2 or 3 places along the walls of this temple (or more).

Here, I would like to highlight the pair of Reliefs carved out of the single stone (there is a carving of what looks like Garuda on the left, only partially visible). If carving one relief, of approximately 6 ft high and 3 feet square base, is amazing, imagine 2 in one stone (or maybe three / four - we have to visit the place to check the other sides of this stone work). The skill in digging out portions of the rock, deep behind hands, the demons, weapons, etc., to accurately depict the scene is mind boggling.

Let us start by examining the carving of Bhudevi, along with the hands of Varaha, one seen here holding the conch (shanku) and couple of them badly damaged. Bhudevi's depiction includes the beautiful carving of her dress, jewels, etc., as well as a small kalash in her hand (jug of holy water covered by leaves and a coconut). We can imagine the open mouth of the boar, as a victorious roar of Lord Vishnu after rescuing Bhudevi from Hiranyaksha.

Next, as we observe the work on Varaha, we see the detail handiwork on the crown, crown jewels. The dedication for perfection in carving out the hands in smooth manner, and the crown behind with the rock between them carefully removed, indicates the skill of the artisans.

As we move on, here is what I believe is one of the most incredible thoughts of the sculptor - the spear that has poked a demon. As one demon attacks Varaha from behind, he uses one weapon to smack the skull making the eyes of the demon bulge out at the blow. Below, we can see that Varaha has also poked the demon in the chest. This spear has entered on one side and is seen sticking out on the other side, with 4 whorls of intestine / body part hanging out. (circled in orange)

To have put together this depiction, sculptor definitely had a vivid imagination, as well as exhibited his/her design, planning, skill and workmanship. The demon holds a knife in his right hand, which is also made out well in the right proportions.

Moving on to the dress and ornaments of Varaha, a complete work of drilling of the rock is visible - sculptor had cleared up all the unwanted portions, and given a realistic 3-dimensional sculpture!

Shifting our attention to the bottom left corner of the picture, we see the demons with drawn knives and swords, leg of Varaha with anklets, toe-rings, and the toes neatly depicted, and the detail of how each are holding on to the ground & weapons in natural manner.

Finally let us glance on Hiranyaksha under the foot of Varaha. The perfect wrap of the foot on the crown of Hiranyaksha, the bulging eyes as the pressure shows up in the face, and hand holding the sword but in an uncomfortable angle being pinned down - all of them showing the artistic work of the period. The attention to detail on the crown of Hiranyaksha, and the jewels hanging in awkward angles because of the position, are further proof of the marvelous carving - one of the hundreds in this temple.

It is unfortunate that this set of pictures is not as sharp as a portrait can be - but it is enough for me to dwell on and imbibe the beauty of art in India. More pictures are available in Wikimedia Commons, including my click of a wider part of this wall of the temple, and elsewhere on the internet.

I am itching for a repeat visit to this place to glance at the sculptures, capture them in my mind, as well as in digital media. However, there are millions more places to visit too - only time will tell which will take priority - a repeat visit to same places, or exploring other awesome places in India.

PS: Here is a different view of the sculpture, highlighting both the sides of this huge single stone sculpture!

Varaha described in this post is on right side, while on the left it seems like Garuda (wings are carved)