The Pratihara era has a remarkable impact on Indian art and culture. It presents a transition between the Gupta period classical style and the medieval Indo-Islamic style. During the 8th-11th centuries CE, they had exercised their control over a significant portion of Northern and Central India.
Among the diverse Indic pantheon of deities, Gauri has acquired multifaceted significance. She is popularly known as the radiant manifestation of Parvati. The vast range of temple idols and etched narrative panels of temples reveals a highly advanced program where Gauri is not just the consort of Shiva but an independent focal point of worship.
The incorporation of Gauri in temple architecture is significant because, besides its religious affiliation, it shows the socio-cultural transition of this period in the form of art.
How does Gauri represent Pratihara-era art?
The Pratihara became the central point of politics after the period of turmoil. The post-Gupta period witnessed the growth of many independent regional dynasties. The Gurjara-Pratihara was one of them in central India.
As regionalism grew and took the central stage, many new beliefs and traditions came under a single umbrella. The result was magnificent. It reorganized society. Many new deities were added to the Hindu pantheon. And these changes are very evident from the iconography of this period. A large number of Gauri images from this era are a result of this very change!
The visual representation of Gauri in independent form is not just a turning point in craftsmanship, but it also reflects the growing popularity of Shaktism. With growing interactions and the exchange of products, it turned into the exchange of ideas, and once the marginalized tantric or shakti cult became the face of the culture. Gauri became the symbol of divine femininity and an important part of temple architecture during the Pratihara era.
What is the symbolism behind Gauri in Hindu mythology?
Gauri is a radiant form of Parvati. She is known for her golden complexion and exudes purity and femininity. Her serene features and gentle smile make her a benevolent mother goddess.
According to popular belief, Parvati or Kali is a more ferocious form of the goddess. And being teased by Shiva for her dark complexion and furious nature, she did intense penance. Impressed with her devotion and determination, Brahma granted her a radiant look, transforming her into Gauri.
Gauri is a story of transformation. From being the raw, untamed, unmanifested form of energy, Gauri transformed into a more benevolent form. She became a household aspect of feminine divinity and maternal bliss.
What are the iconographic attributes of Gauri in Pratihara art?
In Pratihara-era art, Gauri is usually shown as a four-armed deity with a calm expression. She is depicted in a graceful tribhanga or samabhanga stance. Her form is modeled with a sense of "condensed plasticity and roundness" but rendered with a firmer outline and more intricate ornamentation.
Each element of her form is not limited to artistic creativity but also carries a deeper symbolic meaning.
Rosary (Akshamala): It is linked to her monastic upbringing and her expertise in spiritual understanding.
Lotus (Kamala): It represents her beauty and purity. The other meaning of "lotus" is the universe's capacity for creation.
Water pot (Kamandalu): It is a symbol of ritual cleanliness.
Mirror (Darpana): It symbolizes self-awareness and the deceptive nature of the manifested universe.
Trident (Trishula): Trident links her to the sovereign force of Shiva.
Boon-granting hand gesture (Varada Mudra): It reflects her kindness and her function as a blessing-giver.
Godha: In Pratihara-era sculpture, Godha (monitor lizard) is the distinct marker as the vehicle of Gauri.
Many Pratihara-era temples have depictions of Gauri on temple niches, lintels, doorways, and walls. This reflects the importance of Gauri not just as a religious figure but also as a temple ornamentation. Gauri’s significance is not just limited to being the consort of Shiva in Indic art. She has multifaceted significance of her own. Artists of the Pratihara period have beautifully captured this in stone.