Gajasamharamurti, Gajasaṃhāramūrti, Gajasamhara-murti: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Gajasamharamurti 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.

Images (photo gallery)

In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

[«previous next»] — Gajasamharamurti in Shilpashastra glossary
Source: Archaeological Survey of India: Śaiva monuments at Paṭṭadakal (śilpa)

Gajasaṃhāramūrti (गजसंहारमूर्ति) is a sculpture found at the temple of Vijayeśvara, at the southern side, bhadra niche.—In the next niche on the same wall is Gajasaṃhāramūrti. In this image Śiva is dancing on the head of the demon elephant holding its skin on his back with his two upper hands and probably its tusk in his right hand (?). Dancing feet are in kuñcitapāda. He wears usual ornaments. It must have been a finished image and very beautiful. But now the stone is corroded and at places the image is damaged.

Gajasaṃhāramūrti (गजसंहारमूर्ति) is also found as a sculpture on the exterior (southern wall) of the temple of Trailokyeśvara.—Śiva as Gajasaṃhāra, engaged in killing a demon who came in the zoomorphic form of an elephant. The whole scene is incomplete. In fact the workmanship of the whole portion of the wall is not complete.

Shilpashastra book cover
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.

Discover the meaning of gajasamharamurti in the context of Shilpashastra from relevant books on Exotic India

General definition (in Hinduism)

[«previous next»] — Gajasamharamurti in Hinduism glossary
Source: Shodhganga: Historical setting of the vaisnava divyaksetras in the southern pandya country

Gajasaṃhāramūrti (गजसंहारमूर्ति).—Śiva who took to task an aide of Andhakāsura, called gajāsura “elephant-demon”, is called gajasaṃhāramūrti. The classical images on the subject appear in the Elephanta and Ellora caves of the early medieval period. In these images the slaughter of Gajāsura and Andhakāsura is presented two-in-one.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Related products

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: