Pani-Haran

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

In Sanskrit 'pani' means water and 'haran' means stealing. Thus the lady here is out to steal water from the river itself ! The symbolism being that by the allure of her enticing looks, she is well capable of doing so. She conforms to the norms of the highest Indian classical thought which visualizes the feminine form with fill breasts, a narrow waist, and ample hips, thus this abundantly endowed female figure. Other features include richly decorated skirts held in place by jeweled girdles, rows of bangles, heavy earrings, and characteristic coiffures. Heavy anklets were also worn.

Next to the lady adorned with freshly plucked flowers in her hair, stands a young deer. The deer is the most gentle among animals. He suggests a child-like innocence, and is a symbol of a spot where no harm is possible to any innocent creature. A place where the deer roams about care-free with no apprehension of harm to his life is a holy sacrificial area according even to Manu (the progenitor of the human race). Here the deer is symbolic of the uncorrupted, innocent, virgin status of this maiden.

References:

Sivaramamurti C. Birds and Animals in Indian Sculpture: New Delhi, National Museum, 1974.