Exploring Enchanted Relics: Two Epitomes of Timeless Art

Amidst the myriad treasures scattered throughout the annals of human history, a spear made from a narwhal tusk and an iron meteorite serves as a magical and captivating relic. However, the enchantment of my surroundings lies in the centuries-old monuments and statues that stand as silent witnesses to the past.

Statues Resonating with Ancient Echoes

The region where I reside is rich with ancient monuments, dating back to the pre-Christian era. From ruined fortresses to royal edicts and ancient carvings, the landscape is a testament to a glorious past. Amongst these, two statues stand out as particularly mesmerizing.

The Buddha at Ratnagiri

Perched high on the Ratnagiri hill, a large head of the Buddha in meditation offers an awe-inspiring view. This intricate statue, approximately four feet in height, is a relic from a time when Buddhism thrived in this region. Situated just inside the elaborately carved entrance of the Ratnagiri-Udayagiri-Lalitagiri-Puspagiri Buddhist complex, the head is a testament to the 'Mathura school of art', which flourished between the 1st century BCE and the 6th century CE.

As I gaze upon the serene expression of the Buddha, the proportions of the lips and eyes captivate me. The drooping ears indicate its origins in the Mathura school. I wonder if this might be merely a fragment of a larger statue. If so, the complete figure would have been truly monumental. Though I have not seen the complete torso that fits this head, I cannot help but imagine its grandeur.

Buddha's Head at Ratnagiri
Source: injube
This photograph is much better than the one I captured several years ago.

The Bārāhī Statue at Gagevarī

Near my grandfather's maternal village lies the Gagevarī temple, home to a remarkable statue of Bārāhī, a form of the Hindu goddess Akti, associated with the boar incarnation of Viu, Varāha. The temple, which clearly bears the marks of the Gagā dynasty (12th to 14th centuries), holds a deeper significance. The legend speaks of Gagevarī as the goddess of the Gagās, and her name itself confirms this.

The statue of Bārāhī, carved on the outer walls of the temple, is truly a masterpiece. Four-armed and boar-faced, the deity appears to be savoring a feast from a skull bowl, a scene that few statues can match. In her three remaining arms, she holds a knife, a partly broken sword, and a shield or hammer. On either side, boar-faced attendants are engaged in similar tasks, while divine beings hover overhead, holding lotus buds.

The intricate detailing of the goddess's crown, armbands, and coiffed hair makes this statue even more captivating. The scene she depicts, intimate yet powerful, is unlike any other in the realm of Hindu iconography. This statue speaks to the life-like quality of the sculpture, making it an absolute masterpiece in my opinion.

Bārāhī at Gagevarī

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Keywords: historical relics, archeological treasures, ancient statues