The ancient temple and cave architecture in India is like reading a chapter from a history book. Mythology forms the keystone of Indian art and architecture. Indian temple architecture offers an exquisite experience and to understand it one needs to dwell in the stories of the most visible mythological motifs and friezes on them.
These motifs are a window to the social customs and traditions that existed thousands of years ago. The precise planning and architecture of temples along with the intricately carved motifs on these religious spaces collectively form some of the characteristics of Ancient Indian temple architecture.
Ancient temples – An Ode to Mythological Tales
Some of the common figures spotted in ancient temples have been mentioned along with the stories they are associated with. This provides an understanding of the artist’s storytelling ability through their craftsmanship and delivers reasoning to the elements used as ornamentation.
Yaksha
Yaksha figures are ancient sculptures that depict mythological beings in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. They can be seen on temple walls and pillars. The Buddhist rock-cut temples of India often display Yakshas standing on both sides of the entrance of Chaitya or monastery. The reason for their inclusion can be found in the Tibetan scripture “Dul-va” (part of Ka-gyur). In this book, Shakyamuni Buddha is believed to have instructed Anathapindika about the decoration of Buddhist Viharas by placing a Yaksha figure on the outside door. They are commonly known as ‘Dwarapala’ which are seen guarding the entrance of the temple and are believed to be protective beings or spirits. Another common sight in ancient temples is the Yakshas on top of the wall carrying the structure’s weight on their shoulders or lifting the entire structure.
Shardul
Shardul also known as Vyala is a mythical creature often seen as a decorative motif on the outer walls of temples. Their body resembles a lion with one leg lifted while the face keeps changing but displays fierceness. The face is either a parrot, a horse, or in some places even an elephant. In all figures, the Vyala is seen fighting with two men, one kneeling near its foot while the other is near its head. Vyala represents the ambition of humans while the two men represent the human desire to conquer these ambitions. Together, they symbolize the constant struggle that some can control while others fall prey.
Ashta Dikpalas
The four cardinal directions form the basis of temple architecture as the temple is built considering these directions. Leading from them are the eight directions which are believed to be guarded by eight guardians or Ashta Dikpalas. They are seen on inner as well as outer walls and niches of temples. Each Dikpala can be identified through its unique features and its placement on walls corresponding to its direction.
Indra
Indra, the guardian of the East direction, the king of Gods, associated with lightning and rains is shown holding his Vajra (thunderbolt) alongside his elephant Airavata.
Agni
Agni is the guardian of the Southeast direction. According to Vedas, Agni or fire accepts the offerings on behalf of Gods, therefore he is depicted as pot-bellied, and being the oldest he displays a mustache and a beard. His vahan or vehicle, the ram is also usually sculpted alongside.
Yama
Yama, the God of death, is the guardian of the South. He can be recognized riding on his vahan, the buffalo, or being next to it. He carries a noose and a staff or Danda and sometimes is seen carrying a bird in his hand or on his shoulder. It could be either a pigeon or a crow as they are believed to be his messengers.
Nritti
Nritti is the guardian of the Southwest and is a form of Lord Shiva depicted holding a snake and a sword.
Varuna, the God of water, is the guardian of the West. He is shown with his vahan, the Makara or crocodile, and is seen holding a lotus stalk.
Vayu
Vayu, the God of wind, is the guardian of the Northwest. He can be seen alongside his vahan, the antelope, and is shown holding a cloth in his hands flying above his head, depicting air.
Kubera
Kubera, the God of wealth, is the guardian of the North. He is associated with the treasures of earth and therefore is seen having a potbelly with a short stature, holding a money purse.
Isana
Isana, considered to be a shaant-roop or calm form of Shiva, is the guardian of the Northeast. He is depicted similarly to that of Lord Shiva except that he has at least one hand in varada mudra, or benevolent pose.
Ashta Vasu
The Ashtavasus are a set of eight celestial beings depicting different aspects of natural phenomena. They are Dhara (earth), Anala (fire), Anila (wind), Aha (space), Pratyusha (twilight), Prabhasa (dawn), Soma (moon), and Dhruva (polestar). According to Mahabharata, the Ashtavasus had stolen a cow owned by the sage Vashishta and therefore were cursed by Vashishta to be born on earth as mortals. The seven Vasus were given birth on earth by river Goddess Ganga and were drowned by her, as a result, freeing them from the punishment. Although, the eighth son was cursed to serve his penalty, imprisoned in the mortal form, and later became known in his mortal incarnation as ‘Bhishma’. The Ashtavasu figures are always depicted with bovine faces (face of a cow) as a reminder of their misconduct.
Conclusion
Celestial beings including the Apsaras (celestial nymphs) and Gandharvas (celestial musicians), Vidydharas, Naga Kanyas, etc adorn the temple facades with their ethereal beauty and grace. Their presence serves to elevate the spiritual consciousness of devotees and visitors alike, inspiring reverence and awe. However, they also offer knowledge rather than just being decorative elements on structures. The motifs add value to the experience by providing insight into the philosophies believed by the people of that era through the stories associated with them.
Bibliography:
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A wandering mind (2016) The power of 8 – the Ashta Dikpalas and Ashta Vasus at khajuraho. Available at: https://www.awanderingmind.in/2016/11/the-power-of-8-ashta-dikpalas-and-ashta.html#more (Accessed: 02 March 2024).
Admin (2023) Ashta Vasus: Eight elemental deities in Hindu mythology।hindu temple talk, Hindu Temple Talk. Available at: https://hindutempletalk.org/2023/09/05/ashta-vasuseight-elemental-deities-in-hindu-mythology/ (Accessed: 02 March 2024).
