Varaha Images in Madhya Pradesh (An Iconographic Study)

The salient feature of the book is the description of the minute iconographic details of the images of Varaha found in Madhya Pradesh. The author has critically examined the zoomorphic and zooanthropomorphic forms of Varaha in terms of cosmology and 'Uplift of goddess Earth' from the Nether region. While explaining the cosmological aspect of Varaha in zoomorphic form, the author has interpreted, for the first time, the symbolic significance of the following representations which are mainly depicted on the vertebral column of Varaha. They are:

1. Figures of pure Creation;

2. Figures of trinity of gods of the Puranas and their synchronization with the Vyuha theory of Pancaratra;

3. Depiction of four lokas such as Bhuh, Bhuvah, Svah and Patala;

4. Figures of Trayi Vidya (Surya); and

5. Figures of Matsya.

Similarly the author has identified, for the first time, the personifications of different components of Yajna shown on the limbs of Varaha. While explaining the zooanthropomorphic form of Varaha, she has emphasized the fertility aspect of Varaha in addition to the concept of uplifting of Earth.

About the Author:

Haripriya Rangarajan received her Ph.D. in Indian Culture from the Gujarat University in 1987. She specializes in the iconography of Visnu and has contributed articles to academic journals and popular magazines. Her doctoral thesis was published under the title Spread of Vaisnavism in Gujarat A.D up to 1600 (A Study with Special Reference to the Iconic Forms of Visnu) in 1990. Besides the current publication, her book on Ramanuja Sampradaya in Gujarat (A Historical Perspective) has already been published. She has been the recipient of a fellowship from the Indian Council of Historical Research for her research studies.

Foreword

Acknowledgement

List of Illustrations

Contents

CHAPTER 1
Historical Background

CHAPTER 2
Varaha Myths in Ancient Indian Tradition

CHAPTER 3
Iconography of Varaha

CHAPTER 4
Varaha Icons in Madhya Pradesh

CHAPTER 5
Conclusion

Bibliography

Index

Illustrations