Gajakacchapa, aka: Gaja-kacchapa; 1 Definition(s)

Introduction

Gajakacchapa means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

Alternative spellings of this word include Gajakachchhapa.

In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Gajakacchapa (गजकच्छप) is found as a sculpture at the temple of Lokeśvara, north entrance, eastern pillar, north façade.—Many scholars of yore like C. Sivaramamurti and others have identified this image as “Gajendramokṣa” where Viṣṇu comes and rescues the life of the elephant. The story of Gajakachhapa occurs in the Mahābhārata, in Ādiparvan. The context is that Kadru and Vinatā, the two daughters of Dakṣa were married to sage Kaśyapa.

In the representation of Lokeśvara temple, Viṣṇu seated on the back of Garuḍa, is ready to throw his discus on the Tortoise to free the Elephant. The Elephant, with its head up holds a lotus in its trunk as if it is going to offer it to Viṣṇu before breathing his last. This image is a representation in between the usual representation of Gajendramokṣa and Gajakachapa.

context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

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