If the monolithic Ganesha Statues of Hampi are around 2.3 meters, the statue of Lord Narsimha is much larger than them. This is the biggest statue in Hampi and is of 6.7 meters in height. This statue has been constructed out of a single boulder. As per the inscriptions found it was carved in 1528 A.D. during the rule of Krishnadevaraya.
This idol of the Narasimha was well designed and has large bulging eyes and broad chest, and it is a architectural beauty. Here the Lord is in cross-legged yoga position with the belt supporting the knees. Originally, during the glory days of Hampi, the Goddess Laksmi was seated on his lap. This is confirmed by the presence of one of her hands on the back of the statue. The carving of hand of the Goddess has the finger nails and rings still intact. But due to the destruction in 1565 A.D the Goddess Laksmi statue was badly damaged and today we can only see the Lord Narsimha alone without the Goddess. The Lord is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake called AdiSesha. The heads of the snake forms a hood above his head. The entire image is set within the beautiful Makar Torana an arch, with a lion-mask above the hoods of Adisesha. On the either side of the statue there are lions as guard.
This is also popularly known as Ugra Narasimha which means terrifying form. This is attributed to the protruding eyes and the facial expression. Narsimha means half-man and half-lion.
This idol of the Narasimha was well designed and has large bulging eyes and broad chest, and it is a architectural beauty. Here the Lord is in cross-legged yoga position with the belt supporting the knees. Originally, during the glory days of Hampi, the Goddess Laksmi was seated on his lap. This is confirmed by the presence of one of her hands on the back of the statue. The carving of hand of the Goddess has the finger nails and rings still intact. But due to the destruction in 1565 A.D the Goddess Laksmi statue was badly damaged and today we can only see the Lord Narsimha alone without the Goddess. The Lord is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake called AdiSesha. The heads of the snake forms a hood above his head. The entire image is set within the beautiful Makar Torana an arch, with a lion-mask above the hoods of Adisesha. On the either side of the statue there are lions as guard.
This is also popularly known as Ugra Narasimha which means terrifying form. This is attributed to the protruding eyes and the facial expression. Narsimha means half-man and half-lion.
You have taken a great picture!
ReplyDeleteThat was very informative, thanks. Did not know there was Lakshmi along with Narasimha.
ReplyDeleteWhere are the lions on both sides of Narasimha? Are you referring to the Makaras on the pillar?
Also, there was contention about the name Ugra or Lakshmi Narasimha a few years back. But can't recall what exactly was it. May be it is about seated Lakshmi?
the close up feature of this sculpture is very profound.
ReplyDeleteyour detailed description always help me understand this piece better...^-^
yeah the experssions potrayed..u captured them well.
ReplyDeleteInteresting staty and tales. Looks as it owns the sky :)
ReplyDeleteMarvelous and informative post as always, Rajesh!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Sylvia
nice capture of the statute and interesting info regarding.
ReplyDeletehave a wonderful weekend.
Nice photo and information with stunning detail. Such an interesting culture. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and smiles
I never seen
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful temple :)
Those eyes ..... Wow!!!
Brilliant shot :)
Such an interesting post and great shots.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that your culture has relics from such distant times.
ReplyDeleteFabulous statue! Amazing that it was constructed out of a single boulder. I love your pictures and description.
ReplyDeleteTheir faces fascinate me. Yet another amazing tour. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and a most interesting picture. Well captured.
ReplyDeleteThe eyes have it! Yikes! What a great statue. How did they do that so many years ago? Amazing.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, too!
Wonderful shot and amazing statue.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post with nice photos, Rajesh. The statue is really amazing.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sky Watch!
Not really a pretty face!
ReplyDeleteHi Rajesh,
ReplyDeleteWe have the same kind of ancient sculptures in Sri Lanka too.:) Think they mean the same.
Narasimha - Narasinha (half man, half lion as you mentioned)
Makar Thorana - Makara Thorana (Dragon Pandol)
Best Rgds
K
Ugra Narasimhar is the first image that crosses the mind when someone says HAMPI...
ReplyDeleteNice pics...
A bit spooky.
ReplyDeleteSydney - City and Suburbs
You have described very beautifully with wonderful pictures.I liked it very much.
ReplyDeleteSuch large statues surely invoke awe. I can not imagine the feeling one gets standing next to them.;)
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures and a great story, very interesting.
ReplyDeletewonderful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful sculpture--and from a single boulder, that's amazing. Too bad you couldn't have put an apple or something next to it to show scale!
ReplyDeleteGreat picture! And your information is interesting! Thanks for your visit!
ReplyDeleteI can understand he could be called terrifying. The facial expression is a big frightening.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interesting history.
Great photos of a wonderful land!
ReplyDeleteNarsimha looks rather angry and scary!
ReplyDeleteLucky us to still enjoy the wonders of the distant past preserved. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing good history information, and this is one amazing temple. Beautiful artwork. Anna :)
ReplyDeletenicely captured shots!
ReplyDeleteAmazing idols.
ReplyDeleteVery nice.
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad that the sculpture of the Goddess Lakshmi has disappeared.
The picture of Narsimha is very well taken! and the post is as always very informative.
ReplyDeleteThose bulging eyes are very interesting. And yes terrifying!
ReplyDeleteThe 2nd shot is amazing! Very nice work, Rajesh!
ReplyDeleteA magnificent statue, for it to have been carved centuries ago and yet here we are still able see it through your wonderful photographs. Incredible! A very interesting post, enjoyed reading it and thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe statues are amazingly well preserved. It's wonderful that you can visit so many artifacts from so long ago.
ReplyDeleteAnother great landmark, and wonderful photos. Well done!
ReplyDeleteVery informative. Nice pics.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much in India to be preserved...the sculptures, temples etc.
Spectacular monuments good image i curious Greetings
ReplyDeleteI'd love to visit someday ... That's one part of the world I've never seen. Someday.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazingly huge and full of wonderful details. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSpirithelpers
Magnificent and interesting reading!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating statue! Thanks for sharing both the photo and the information about its history. You did a beautiful job with the collage in the post below as well.
ReplyDeleteRajesh: That sculpture was so unusual.
ReplyDeleteNice post!
ReplyDeleteWhat a master piece of a statue. The expression is so vivid.
We need to conserve as well as showcase the great work left behind by our forefathers.
You are doing a great job!
well capture in detail!
ReplyDeleteArun: Thanks, many people do not know about the existence of Lakshmi due to the name.
ReplyDeletepranksygang, foto, Sylvia, Carolyn, Anyan, Carver: Thanks for the appreciation.
arabesque, Rush, Erin, Diane, Sandy, Pietro: Thanks, it has been carved with great precision.
Glennis, J Bar, Faye, Jacob, Sucharita: Thanks, it is a angry face.
Wil, mkreider, Hildred, Tara, Babli, Bettyl, magiceye: Thanks for the appreciation.
Kirigalpoththa: Thanks, there are lot of similarities in the culture.
Mitr: Thanks, I agree with you.
Elisabeth, Danton, flyingstars, Anna, Deepak: Thanks for the appreciation.
Protege, ProdigalWife: Thanks, we look like a dwarf in front of it.
Raji: Thanks, Goddess Laksmi was damaged very badly. That is very sad part.
T.R, guy: Thanks, it is a angry face.
JM, Ailurophile, Jose, Lee, Melusine, George, Jeevan, Sujata: Thanks for the appreciation.
Denise: Thanks, it has been carved with great precision.
EG, Megha, sumandebray: Thanks, lot of effort has been put to preserve whatever little is left.
Asta: Thanks, It was initiated by the King. I am not sure how many people were involved.
Robert: Thanks, you are most welcome.
Another wonderful post with photos of statues I love so much.
ReplyDeleteBarbara: Thanks for the appreciation.
ReplyDelete