What an interesting exchange on the previous post ! forced me to put this part 2 of that debate.
Lets take a look at the sculpture under question again
Is the sculpture indeed that of Hanuman holding the Bana l
Arguments for:
The Bana lingam legend, the facial features.
Arguments against
No tail, presence of two ladies on both sides, presence of Vishnu’s attributes ( but this is not a clear case as Cheenu’s rightly pointed out there are instances !)
What other sculptures could it represent
Macha Avatar
But there is a matcha ( fish) avatar sculpture right next to this sculpture.
We had arguments for this image as well, but the depiction of the eyes and the typical mouth kind of settled the issue.
Lets see them in closeup again ( thanks Arvind once again)
Compare this macha avatar with the earlier sculpture, both can’t be the same for sure.
Varaha Avatar - Vishnu
A Definite possibility. Lets take a front depiction of Varaha from Ahobilam to compare.
The depiction of a spherical ( ok egg shaped) earth is not found in sculptures even upto 200 years after this representation. Take a look again, its too defined a sculpture for an artist to err in the shape ( for the finesse in carving the conch and the discus).
While, its definitely a case in point to the two ladies. We see all the avatars and even Brahma sporting such attendants or consorts.
Now, we come to this interesting sculpture. its Kurma ( Turtle) Avatar
Lets study its features more closely
There are some legends related with Vishnu seeking Shiva’s help ( Kachbeshwarar form). But is this and the original sculpture similar. Lets study the face features once more side by side.
Well definitely not the same - clear from the eyes especially. I tend to side the argument for Hanuman more based on these.
An interesting sculpture and how a little bit of vandalism can lead to confusions, yet some tell tale signs help assist in proper identification.
Hey,who is this. Except for the face, everything is Ganesha. But the face …Hmm, lets take a closer look
Stumped you. Well dont rake your brains yet, is this a composite Ganesha combined with Varaha / Hayagreevar ….
No my friends, take a closer look at the top left ( of the sculpture)
Its the broken trunk, with the tip holding his favorite modhakam. Just a case of part of the trunk being broken !! Its our darling Ganesha only.
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