Varaha Images in Madhys Pradesh: An Iconographic Study

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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 : a. Figures of Pure Creation; b. Figures of Trinity of Gods of the Puranas and their Synchronization with the Vyuha Theory of Pancaratra; c. Depiction of Four Lokas Such as Bhuh, Bhuvah, Svah and Patala; d. Figures of Trayi Vidya (Surya); e. Figure 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

Dr. (Mrs.) Haripriya Rangarajan obtained her Ph.D. degree in Indian Culture from the Gujarat University in 1987. She specialized in the iconography of Vishnu and has contributed articles to academic journals, national seminars and popular magazines. Her doctoral thesis was published in 1990 under the title Spread of Vaishnavism in Gujarat upto 1600 A.D. (A study with Special Reference to the Iconic forms of Vishnu). Her book on Ramanuja Sampradaya in Gujarat: A Historical Perspective was published in 1996. Her third work entitled Varaha Images in Madhya Pradesh â€“ An Iconographic Study was published in 1997 and the Asiatic society of Bombay has awarded the Silver Medal for this work in 1998. she is a recipient of Indian council of Historical Studies fellowship for her research studies. She is keen in organizing and participating in the academic activities. She has organized several seminars and workshops in close association with well-known museums and research institutions.