LORD CHENNAKESAVA OF BELUR

BEAUTY OF BRACKET FIGURES

No account becomes complete with out a mention of the bracket figures supporting the eaves known as Salabhanjikas, depicted in dance postures in a wide variety of moods. Their execution is so superb that every piece turned out, is full of lyrical grace, passionate charm and idyllic sublimity. There are nearly 40 of them, and except three all are female representations called Madanika figures. They are quite a unique feature here, and are famous and popular as Ajantha beauties. Two of them represent Mother Durga. The ten perforated screens exhibiting the superb workmanship are placed on either side of the eastern entrance. They depict puranic episode, like Trivikrama pushing Bali to Patala, Krishna in the act of killing the lokakantas, Surasuras churning the ksheerasagara etc. Each is a master-piece judged by any standard. Visiting it, Addur Razaak, the Turkish traveller confessed that language could not do justice to the unparalleled excellences of this monumental master-piece, if attempted at description.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]