Image title: Plate 13: Dakshinamurti (2)

[Full title: Dakshinamurti, two examples of the same temple, Vijayanagara, Lepakshi, 16th century]

Cf. Plate 12.

This panel of Dakṣiṇamūrti is superior to the similar one on the ceiling of the Nāṭyamaṇḍapa. In South India, it should be recalled that Dakṣiṇamūrti in this aspect is a favourite. It is interesting again to compare almost a parent of this style in the Dakṣiṇamūrti which is found in Ellora in the Kailāsa temple itself, not to talk of this usual type that is found both in Pallava and Chola sculpture all over. It may be recalled that though Lakulīśa is favoured in the north, but also occurs at Ellora, it is not such a favourite as Dakṣiṇamūrti, which is the chosen form in the South for Śiva as a teacher.

Gallery information:

This plate is contained in the book “Vijayanagara Paintings”, a valuable aid to the understanding of Indian iconography (also known as śilpaśāstra). The Vijayanagara empire was established in 1335 by Harihara, Harihara, Kaṃpa and Bukka (sons of Saṅgama) and grew to be a dominant power in the South. Painting has been considered in the Citrasūtra of the Viṣṇudharmottara, the early standard text on painting, as the premier art.