‘Philosophy behind scupltures in Khajuraho, Konark should be brought forward’
| Date :12-May-2019 |
Dr Shyam Madhav Dhond Dr Rama Golwalkar , Chandrakant Channe
Staff Reporter:
The physical, philosophical, scientific, spiritual and artistic dimensions of sculptures depicting sex, were beautifully explained during ‘Voyage to Creative Creations’ programme, organised by Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh and Sarjan Nirman. The theme was ‘Bharatiya Mandirawaril Kamshilpe’. Litterateur Dr Shyam Madhav Dhond, social scientist Dr Rama Golwalkar and renowned artist Chandrakant Channe were the speakers. The major focus was on sculptures of Khajuraho and Sun temple of Konark. The finer details of sculptures were explained by Channe and Dr Golwalkar.
Dr Dhond referred to philosophy as projected by ancient and modern poets. The sculptures represent creation through combination of man and woman or male and female. These are depicted and believed in the form of Shiv and Parvati (Shakti). Dr Golwalkar called them in modern scientific terms of Matter and Energy. With scientists projecting the theory of matter converted into energy, sex is energy being converted into matter, in the form of a zygote or embryo. She also used a sculpture of Ardhanarishwar to explain the concept. Channe gave finer details of Konark temple, where fruit laden mango trees are used to show creation. Dr Golwalkar explained various stages through which Garbhagruha (santum sanctorum) of Kandarya Mahadev Mandir at Khajuraho is reached.
Position of sex sculptures and philosophy behind its placement and size. Salvation is achieved after going through all the phases of life - Dharma, Artha, Kaam and Moksha, as depicted in these temples can be understood only after proper study and mindset. Unfortunately only pictures have been shown to people, without bringing to the fore the philosophy, spirituality and vision of their creators. These dimensions are missing from modern temples constructed during the last 200 years. The Moguls and the British never had this vision and called it a guilt.
The guilt feeling has been inculcated among Indians. Dr Golwalkar stated that why Sigmond Freud was needed to put a theory of instinct of sexuality since birth. Why Einstein is required to tell us matter can be converted into energy. In Indian depiction it has been adequately shown that the process can be reverted. Shiv is matter and Parvati is energy. They come together to form matter in the form of offspring. Dr Dhond explained that most of the temples with these sculptures are of Lord Shiva. The Shivling is representative of both the sexual organs and where they are placed is called ‘Garbhagruha’. Ardhanarishwar is an indication of creation by male and female coming together. He stated that the sculptures appear to be created by men alone, through their views.
The sculptures indicate male dominance. Dr Golwalkar stated that sculptures depicting sex are only 3% out of total sculptures in Khajuraho. Channe stated that they form only 2% in Konark. Channe explained symbols of seven horses of Sun’s Chariot depicting seven days, 24 wheels divided into four phases of life - Dharma, Arth, Kaam and Moksha and eight spokes depicting eight ‘prahar’ of the entire day. The sculptures between these wheels are related to these phases of life. The art, philosophy, science and spirituality behind these sculptures must be informed to the people, the speakers stated. Prakash Edlabadkar made introductory remarks, conducted the proceedings and later proposed a vote of thanks.