Sunday, October 10, 2010

Narasimha - Banteay Srei, Cambodia


Pediment of Northern Long room - Narasimha slaying Hiranyakashipu

The story of Prahalad and Hiranyakasipu which forms the background for the fourth avatara, of Lord Vishnu, is well known to most Indians. However, a brief account of this will be in order here.

Hirayankashipu was a demon king ruling over the three worlds. After severe penance, he had sought a boon of immortality from Brahma. As absolute immortality was not possible, Brahma had granted a boon by which he would not be killed by either man or beast, in the day or in the night, inside the palace or outside. Confident of his immortality he continued his tyrannical rule over all.

Hiranyakashipu abhorred Vishnu as Vishnu had killed his brother in the Varaha avatara. He proscribed all religious activities, especially Vishnu worship. Hiranyakashipu’s son, Prahalad was, however, an ardent devotee of Vishnu. The father’s  several attempts, including death threats, to wean the son away from Vishnu worship, did not deter the son from his devotion.

Infuriated, Hiranyakashipu asked his son if his Lord was everywhere, including the pillar in front. On Prahalad’s  affirmative answer, Hiranyakashipu split the pillar with an axe. Out emerged Narasimha, a half-man, half-lion avatar of Vishnu, took Hirnayakshipu  on his lap, sat on the threshold and killed him by splitting his torso and pulling out the entrails.

The unabated fury of Narasimha worried the devas and the devotees. The ardent appeal by Prahalad and the presence of Lakshmi calmed Narasimha and he appeared as lakshmi Narasimha or Shantha Narasimha.

Ravana shaking Mount Kailash - Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei in Siem Reap,Cambodia is a  unique temple. It is perhaps the only one not built by a king. It was built in the 10th century by a Rajguru, Yajnavaraha. It is called the jewel of Khmer architecture and represents a true blend of Khmer and India culture. Several stories from Indian epics are carved in the pink sandstone lintels and pediments of this small but exquisite temple, situated a little away from the Angkor Thom complex.Banteay Srei stands for 'citadel of women'.

The Eastern pediment in the  Southern library has the carving of Ravana shaking Mount Kailash the abode of Lord Shiva. 



One of my earlier posts on Pattadakkal is reproduced below:
Ravana shaking Mount Kailash


Ravana Shaking Kailash, a pillar in Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakkal.

After severe penances and conquests, Ravana became very strong and arrogant. He went to Himalaya, defeated his half-brother, Kubera and usurped his Pushpaka Vimana . On his return, he was overflying Mt. Kailash. Nandi advised Ravana to circumambulate Kailash so as not to disturb Shiva and Parvati.
The arrogant Ravana said, “Who is Shiva?” and tried to shake the mountain. Though Parvati and her entourage were frightened, Shiva nonchalantly pinned down Ravana with his toes. Ravana wailed for mercy. Having humbled Ravana, Shiva released him. After this experience, Ravana became a great devotee of Shiva.
In another version, it is believed that Ravana’s mother, Kaikasi, herself a great devotee of Shiva, wanted to go to Mt.Kailash. Arrogant Ravan said that he could bring Kailash to her and attempted to lift it and transfix it in Lanka.
Epilogue: Ravana after becoming a devotee of Lord Shiva sang in His praise. Since he had no musical instruments to accompany his singing, some believe, he cut off one of his heads and an arm to make a stringed instrument with his thigh nerves. This is also believed to be the origin of musical instruments. In fact, an instrument called Ravanahatta (Ravan’s hand) is still in use in some parts of Rajasthan.

Other sculptures: the other famous figure of Ravana and Mt. Kailash is in Ellora (Cave 16)