New Light on Sarabha Image
Summary
This article investigates the iconography of Śiva’s Sarabha incarnation—a composite creature with features of a lion, bird and man—described in the Uttara Kāmikāgama and the Sarabhopaniṣat. In the myth, Viṣṇu’s Narasiṃha incarnation becomes so fierce after slaying Hiraṇyakaśipu that the gods implore Śiva to intervene. Śiva assumes the form of Sarabha, an eight‑legged beast with wings and a lion’s head, to subdue Narasiṃha and restore cosmic balance. The author surveys sculptural representations of Sarabha from various Indian temples, noting differences in posture, number of limbs and the presence of weapons. Some images depict Sarabha embracing Narasiṃha, while others show him standing triumphantly. By analysing these depictions, the article provides new evidence for the evolution of Śaiva iconography and highlights the interplay between textual descriptions and artistic innovation.
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Conclusion
By combining textual references with sculptural analysis, the article sheds light on a little‑studied incarnation of Śiva. It reveals how artists interpreted the Sarabha myth in diverse ways and enriches our understanding of Śaiva imagery and mythology.