Pallava Sculptures: Jalāndharavadhamūrti and Viṣṇu Anugraha Mūrti
By G.B. Balaji
Summary
This paper examines the sculptural representation of the *Jalandharavadhamūrti* and *Viṣṇu Anugraha Mūrti* (Chakradānamūrti) in Pallava-era temples, particularly in Kanchipuram. The study focuses on the iconography of these sculptures, which depict the mythological narrative of Viṣṇu obtaining the Sudarśana Chakra from Śiva to defeat the asura Jalandhara. The analysis draws from Puranic literature, particularly the Śiva Purāṇa, which describes Viṣṇu’s devotion and the creation of the Chakra. The sculptures, found in temples like Kailasanatha, illustrate the story’s key moments, such as Śiva creating the Chakra and its use against Jalandhara. The *Jalandharavadhamūrti* panels depict Śiva in a yogic posture, Jalandhara’s defeat, and the presence of Brahma and Viṣṇu as witnesses. The *Chakradānamūrti* sculpture shows Viṣṇu’s eye-sacrifice and the Chakra’s manifestation. The paper highlights the artistic and religious significance of these rare Pallava sculptures, which reflect the dynasty’s deep engagement with Puranic themes and their architectural innovations, such as rock-cut temples and sandstone structures. The study also notes the decline of these specific iconographic forms in later periods, emphasizing their uniqueness to the Pallava era.
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Conclusion
This study examines the Pallava-era sculptural representations of the *Jalandharavadhamūrti* and *Viṣṇu Anugraha Mūrti*, analyzing their iconographic significance and narrative continuity. By examining specimens from Kanchipuram’s Kailasanatha and Mātangesvara temples, the paper traces the Puranic narrative of Shiva’s creation of the *Sudarsana Chakra* and its transfer to Vishnu, highlighting the artistic and theological synthesis of Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions. The analysis reveals how these sculptures, through intricate carvings and symbolic details, preserve mythological accounts while reflecting the Pallava dynasty’s religious pluralism and artistic innovation. The study underscores the importance of Puranic literature in interpreting these artworks and emphasizes the enduring legacy of Pallava sculptural techniques in later temple architecture.