The process of creating Hindu idols for temples, particularly adhering to the principles of iconography, involves intricate measurements and proportions. Central to this process is the concept of "tala" or span, which is based on the measurement of the palm of the hand from the tip of the middle finger to the wrist. This measurement is then divided into 12 equal parts, each known as "angula." When sculpting Hindu idols, these measurements are crucial, and standards are prescribed based on the tala and angulas. This system is known as the talamana paddhati. A key aspect of this system is the concept of "dashatala," which dictates that the total height of the idol, from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head in a standing posture, should be ten talas. The dasatala measurement is further classified into three varieties: uttama (superior), madhyama (middling), and adhama (inferior), with proportions of 124, 120, and 116 angulas respectively. The d...

The Talamana System in sculpting idols of Hindu gods and goddesses is a methodical approach that emphasizes precision and proportionality in the creation of these sacred images. At the core of this system lies the concept of pratima-mana-lakshana, which refers to the special characteristics and relative measurements of an image, also known as iconometry. One fundamental principle of this system is the notion of "tala," which establishes a proportional relationship between different parts of the human body. According to this principle, the length of a person's face, from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin, is approximately equal to the length of their palm, from the top of the middle finger to the base of the palm above the wrist. This length is divided into twelve equal parts called "angula," serving as the basic unit of measurement in the Talamana System. All aspects of the sculpture are expressed in terms of these talas and angulas, giving r...

Bhanga means a bend, fold, flexion and undulation. In Hindu plastic art, the term and its derivatives are used in the technical sense of the body-flexions. Svabhanga implies a balanced stance without a bend, abhanga is a slight bend of the body in any direction, dvibhanga (double flexion) is triple or excessive bend. The bend is reckoned from the center of the body, i.e., a vertical line running through the center of the forehead, tip of the nose, navel, medhra (organ) and passign between the legs and the feet. The human figure has roughly three main parts, the head, the torso and the legs, which can be bent, if needed. The painter and the sculptor are trained to bend any of the parts (of a painting or a sculpture) in a given direction according to a desired scheme. The total height and the proportionate ratio of the anatomical parts of all gods, demigods and humans are prescribed in terms of tala-mana (a specific system of measurement), which varies between ten (120 angulas) and two t...

Before beginning the sacred task of carving idols of Hindu gods and goddesses , a sculptor undergoes a series of rituals and vows to ensure the sanctity and divine nature of their work. These rituals are deeply rooted in Hindu tradition and are considered essential for infusing the idols with spiritual significance. Here's an expanded explanation: Diksha or Initiation: The sculptor binds themselves with diksha or initiation, signifying their commitment to the sacred task of sculpting divine images. This initiation is a solemn vow to adhere to certain principles and guidelines throughout the process. Vows and Purity of Life: The sculptor is expected to lead a well-regulated and pure life according to prescribed norms. This includes following ethical principles, maintaining cleanliness, and upholding spiritual discipline. By living a virtuous life, the sculptor prepares themselves to receive divine inspiration and guidance in their work. Mental Preparation and Prayer: Unlike...

The Talamana System in Hindu sculpture delineates various talas or measurements for different types of beings, ranging from animals to deities. One fundamental principle of this system is the notion of "tala," which establishes a proportional relationship between different parts of the human body. According to this principle, the length of a person's face, from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin, is approximately equal to the length of their palm, from the top of the middle finger to the base of the palm above the wrist. This length is divided into twelve equal parts called "angula," serving as the basic unit of measurement in the Talamana System. Here's an expanded explanation of some of the important talas mentioned: Ekatala (One Tala): This measurement is symbolized by the lion's head in motifs and is associated with the Kurma or Tortoise incarnation of Vishnu. Dvitala (Two Talas): Represented by the Matsya or Fish-incarnation of ...

The three types of Mukuta (makuta), or crowns, described in Hindu iconography are significant symbols that adorn various deities and figures, each carrying its own unique symbolism and aesthetic: Kirita Mukuta: Kirita Mukuta is a crown typically worn by male deities such as Vishnu and emperors. Sometimes Devi images too have them. It is characterized by its cylindrical or conical shape, often measuring between 16 to 24 angulas in height (an angula is a traditional unit of measurement in Hindu iconography). This type of crown may feature intricate details such as a diadem, lotus motifs, or be adorned with gemstones. Kirita Makuta symbolizes royalty, authority, and divine status, accentuating the regal presence of the wearer. Karanda Mukuta: Karanda Mukuta is shaped like a pot or bulb and is typically worn by major feminine deities and kings. The lower part of this crown may be embellished with precious stones, enhancing its opulence and grandeur. This type of crown represe...

Amalaka is the ornamented portion in the shikhara (crown of the tower) of early Hindu temples. These temples are generally known to be of Nagara type. No amalaka is noticeable on the top of South Indian temples of the Dravida type. Symbolically, Amalaka is regarded as the symbol of exit from the world. The amalaka stone is shaped either like a ring with cogged rim or an indented wheel, or the circle of filaments in a lotus flower. A Kalasha (ornamented pot with tapering top) made of gold, copper, silver or stone is placed inside the ring of the amalaka to form the upper crest. Besides the main shikhara, a temple can have other subordinate shikharas also to each of which an amalaka with a kalasha is fitted. The amalaka is sometimes given an additional support by images carved below it. The earliest evidence of amalaka on the top of a temple has been unearthed at Nagari near Chittor (Rajasthan). It belongs to the fifth century CE. Many Gupta temples including those of Deogarh and B...

Bull – Elephant sculpture at the famous Airavatesvara Temple in Tamil Nadu is a classic example of unimaginable heights reached by ancient Hindu sculptors. The sculptures of these ancient sculptors will give tough competition to all modern computer and software created models. Bull – Elephant sculpture at the famous Airavatesvara Temple is also a classic example of perception paradox. It also points towards an important teaching in Hinduism that what we see is not real. If we look at the sculpture from left to right you will see a bull and when we look at the sculpture from right to left we will see an elephant. A similar Bull – Elephant illusion sculpture is also found in the 6 th century AD Badami Cave Temples in Karnataka. These sculptures which are 1400 years and 800 years old were carved by bare hands. Next time when you praise ancient buildings and sculptures in foreign nations, pause and think about the greatness our ancient Hindu world. When it comes to dexterity and innov...

The story of Ravana shaking mount Kailash of Lord Shiva is found in the Ramayana. This mind boggling event is an important theme for sculptures in caves and Hindu temples in India. The sculpture in Ellora cave 16 and in the Elephanta caves are extraordinary sculptures depicting the scene of Shiva shaking Kailash. These sculptures of ancient Hindu sculptures remain unmatched. Ravana Shaking Mount Kailash Ellora Cave 16 As per Ramayana, Ravana astride his aerial vehicle, Pushpaka was traversing through the sky. While passing through the Himalayas the aerial vehicle suddenly lost control and was brought down. Ravana was soon approached by Shiva Ganas who told him that no one is allowed to enter this domain as it was the abode of Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Ravana lost his cool and came down the aerial vehicle and told Nandi, divine bull vehicle of Shiva, that no one in the universe has the power to stop him. Puffed up with pride the demon king decided to teach Shiva a l...

You might have seen the picture of Varaha Murti sculpture at Rani Ki Vav in Patan in Gujarat. But if you take a close look in detail at the sculpture you will be mesmerized and amazed. Any Hindu will be proud that our great ancestors could create such wonderful sculptures. The murti is surrounded by 9 sculptures – they along with Varaha Murti forms the Dashavatar or ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. This ornamental ring around the sculpture of Hindu gods and goddesses is known as Prabhavali or Prabha Mandala. It is sometimes in the form of fire or any insignia related to the deity. Bhudevi is touching affectionately the face of Varaha (Vishnu). Mother Earth was drowned (symbolically Adharma or evil overpowering goodness on earth). Varaha carries Mother Earth on his elbow. Panchajanya Shankh – The same arm also holds Shankh (Conch) which when sounded by Vishnu signifies the end of Adharma and beginning of Dharma. Kaumodaki Gada – Symbol of Vishnu’s dominance of all t...

Lladro is a world famous Spanish Company noted for high quality porcelain figurines. Lladro during the past couple of years released murtis (idols) of various gods in Hinduism. Now Lladro has released a 2 million rupees (20 lakh) limited edition Lord Balaji Idol  – Venkateshwara Sculpture. Venkateswara, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, is the presiding deity of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple – the richest temple in the world. Sculpture of the Hindu deity Lord Balaji with a combination of matte porcelain and gloss with enamels and perfectly ornate with bright colors and different finishes of gold and silver luster. The murti of Balaji or Lord Venkateswara, one of the most revered deities from Hindu religion, stands out for its majestic and exuberant decoration, luxuriously covered by a myriad of porcelain flowers. Its ornamental richness is at the level of the powerful Balaji, which fulfills the wishes of its faithful if they are asked with a true heart and a strong dete...

Musala is a pestle – a short hard object with a round end. The musala can be seen in hands of certain Hindu murtis. Sculptures that adorn the gopurams and pillars of temples carry Musala. In Hindu sculptures, Musala is made of wood. It is a cylindrical rod of hardwood. It is used as an offensive and defensive weapon. The shape of Musala has not changed from the beginning and it remains as it is. This is because it is not capable of introducing shapes or additions to the Musala. Some Musala have designs carved on it. You can Musala in the hands of yakshas and other guardian deities in temples. 

Information regarding how the murti (idol) of Brahma should be crafted is mentioned in the Rupamandana. Brahma has four peaceful looking faces. The four heads faces the four quarters. The murti of Brahma should have four arms and a beard. The main murti of Brahma can be standing, sitting in padmasana posture or sitting on a Swan (Hamsa). Swan is the vehicle or Vahana of Brahma. Sometimes Brahma is depicted as a chariot drawn by seven swans with consorts Saraswati and Savitri. Text like Silparatna states that murti of Brahma should be seated on a mat made of long grass. When the murti is in standing posture, it should be in padma pitha. The color of the murti should be chrome yellow and the color of the eyes is orange. The crown should be adorned with ornaments. There is also a white thread on his chest – the yajnopavita. Earrings are made of gold or ruby. The hair color can be red, white or crimson. The four hands should hold akshamala and handful of kusha g...

Krishna Butter Thief Idol is from the world famous Spanish Company, Lladro, noted for high quality porcelain figurines. Lladro during the past couple of years had released idols or murtis of various Hindu gods. Krishna Butter Thief is part of the series. Krishna Butter Thief murti shows little Krishna eating butter from a titled overflowing pot filled with butter. The price of the murti is Rupees 59,000. Lladro figurines are noted for its beauty, detailing and no compromise in materials used.

Goddess Saraswati Idol is from the world famous Spanish Company, Lladro, noted for high quality porcelain figurines. Lladro during the past couple of years had released idols or murtis of various Hindu gods. Goddess Saraswati is part of the series. Goddess Saraswati murti shows Goddess Saraswati in sitting posture playing Veena. She is surrounded by swan and peacock. The price of the murti is not yet revealed. Lladro figurines are noted for its beauty, detailing and no compromise in materials used. Lladro Goddess Saraswati is limited edtion – 750 pieces only. 

Parankundram Cave is located about 7 km from Madurai in Tamil Nadu and is a famous cave temple. Classical Nataraja Thandava form cut in relief in a cave makes the Parankundram cave unique. The Hindu reports  The classical Nataraja has been sculpted with a circular flaming areole complete with two makara forms at the base, the wavy tresses of the Lord, the Damaru and flame held in his stretched hands, Muyalagan, the dwarf demon underneath, four-headed Brahma on the tabla below and saint Karaikkal Ammaiyar on the side. The Lord’s Consort Sivakami looks on as specified in the canons. The sculptor’s mastery over the medium is evident in the way he has removed the material to position the left foot almost entirely out of the wall, giving the entire body the classic three bends – the Tribanga. Sadly, both the sculptures have been badly mutilated. It is interesting to note that on both sides of the dancing form are the reliefs of Ganesha, as the five-headed Heramba Ganapath...

The book titled “The Power of the Female: Devangana Sculptures on Indian Temple Architecture ” is written by Gauri Parimoo Krishnan, curator with the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore . The main theme of the book is the celestial women sculptures in Hindu temples in Central and Western India . The sculptures are known as Devanganas, surasundaris and apsaras. The book is based on the Phd thesis of the author. The highlight of the book is more than 250 black and white photos. Eight chapters explore all the important aspects of the celestial women sculptures. Times of India reports  Usually, most scholars make a token reference to the apsaras as decorative appendages and relegate them to be minor images of semi-divine nature, erotically charged and supposed to offer a titillating thrill when seen on the walls of temples. Puranic literature has also depicted them as alluring men, rishis, and gods from their path of righteousness and spirituality. "They have ...

Bal Gopal Idol is from the world famous Spanish Company, Lladro, noted for high quality porcelain figurines. Lladro during the past couple of years had released idols or murtis of various Hindu gods. Bal Gopal is part of the series. Bal Gopal murti shows young Krishna playing flute and standing on a lotus flower. The murti is priced at Rs 70,000/- Lladro figurines are noted for its beauty, detailing and no compromise in materials used.

Abhaya Hasta is the pose of hands common to most Hindu Gods. One hand of several of the murtis (idols) of Hindu Gods depicts this pose. The Abhaya Hasta Mudra shows the pose of the hand while conferring protection. Abhaya means to give shelter or protection. In Abhaya Hasta Mudra, the palm of the hand is depicted with fingers pointing upwards. The mudra is in such a way that one feels as if the deity is enquiring about the welfare of the devotee. Those people seeking refuge and escape from materialistic values should meditate on murtis having Abhaya Hasta pose. Related Varada Hasta Mudra of Hindu Gods

Lladro  is a world famous Spanish Company noted for high quality porcelain figurines. Lladro during the past couple of years released murtis of various gods in Hinduism. Now as part of the Lladro 2013 collections, Sai Baba idol has been released. Sai Baba Murti is priced at 45,000 Rupees. The murti is depicted as wearing white dress and seated in the famous posture. Lladro figurines are noted for its beauty, detailing and no compromise in materials used. You may also like to read Shiva as Nataraja from Lladro Limited Edition New Ganesha Idols from Lladro – Dancing, Mridangam, Bansuri and Veena Ganesha