Mahabharata
Historical background
One of the two great Sanskrit epics of India, possibly the world’s longest poem. The core story narrates the rivalry between two related families. In the course of time, mythology, ethics, theology, folk tales and philosophic passages were added to it.
Date: First half of the 16th century
Description: From right: Worship of Bhairava; Draupadi svayamvara (ceremony in which the bride choses her groom); Draupadi seated on her father’s, Drupada, lap witnesses the archery competition. On the extreme left, Arjuna hits the revolving fish target.
Location: Andhra Pradesh Temple;Virabhadraswamy Temple;Lepakshi
Positioning: Natyamandapa, first bay from the east, south end
Date: First half of the 16th century
Description: From right: Arjuna hits the revolving matsya yantra (fish-shaped target) and wins Draupadi’s hand; The couple is welcomed by Krishna and by Arjuna’s brothers.
Location: Andhra Pradesh Temple;Virabhadraswamy Temple;Lepakshi
Positioning: Natyamandapa, first bay from the east, north end
Date: First half of the 16th century
Description: Scenes from the Kiratarjuniya. The rishis attacked by the boar Muka, request Arjuna’s help.
Location: Andhra Pradesh Temple;Virabhadraswamy Temple;Lepakshi
Positioning: Mahamandapa, northern periphery
Date: First half of the 16th century
Description: Scene from the Kiratarjuniya. The rishis, attacked by the boar Muka, request Arjuna’s help.
Location: Andhra Pradesh Temple;Virabhadraswamy Temple;Lepakshi
Positioning: Mahamandapa, northern periphery
Date: First half of the 16th century
Description: Scene from the Kiratarjuniya. Arjuna’s arrow hits the boar Muka; The rishis praise the hero.
Location: Andhra Pradesh Temple;Virabhadraswamy Temple;Lepakshi
Positioning: Mahamandapa, northern periphery
Date: First half of the 16th century
Description: Scene from the Kiratarjuniya; Arjuna’s arrow hits the boar Muka; The dogs of the Kirata attack the dying animal.
Location: Andhra Pradesh Temple;Virabhadraswamy;Lepakshi
Positioning: Mahamandapa, northern periphery
Date: First half of the 16th century
Description: Scene from the Kiratarjuniya. Arjuna’s arrow and that of the Kirata (only his arm and his bow are visible) hit the boar Muka at the same time.
Location: Andhra Pradesh Temple;Virabhadraswamy Temple;Lepakshi
Positioning: Mahamandapa, northern periphery
Date: First half of the 16th century
Description: Scene from the Kiratarjuniya. Shiva as Kirata stands near the carcass of the boar. Behind is a figure, possibly Parvati, in the guise of a Kirati, or forest huntress. Brandishing the bow, Arjuna approaches the Kirata.
Location: Andhra Pradesh Temple;Virabhadraswamy Temple;Lepakshi
Positioning: Mahamandapa, northern periphery
Date: First half of the 16th century
Description: Scene from the Kiratarjuniya. In the course of the fight the Kirata falls to the ground. Arjuna, then, suddenly realising who his adversary is, pays homage to the Kirata and Kirati. Shiva and Parvati then reveal themselves in their divine form, riding on Nandi, accompanied by a host of ganas. They bestow the pashupata astra (a magical weapon) onto Arjuna, and depart.
Location: Andhra Pradesh Temple;Virabhadraswamy Temple;lepakshi
Positioning: Mahamandapa, northern periphery
Date: First half of the 16th century
Description: Scene from the Kiratarjuniya. Shiva and Parvati reveal themselves in their divine form, riding on Nandi, accompanied by a host of ganas. They bestow the pashupata astra (a magical weapon) onto Arjuna, and depart.
Location: Andhra Pradesh Temple;Virabhadraswamy Temple;Lepakshi
Positioning: Mahamandapa, northern periphery
Date: First half of the 16th century
Description: From right to left: Vyasa, with another ascetic standing behind him, offer advice to Yudhishthira. On the extreme right, behind the king stand his brothers Nakula, Sahadeva and Bhima. The next scene, on the left: Yudhisthtira, behind whom are his three brothers, speaks to Arjuna, who, bow slung on his right shoulder and hands respectfully folded, stands before him.
Location: Andhra Pradesh Temple;Virabhadraswamy Temple;Lepakshi
Positioning: Natyamandapa, central hall, west bay
Date: First half of the 16th century
Description: From right to left: Vyasa, with another ascetic standing behind him, offer advice to Yudhishthira. On the extreme right, behind the king stand his brothers Nakula, Sahadeva and Bhima. The next scene, on the left: Yudhisththira, behind whom are his three brothers, speaks to Arjuna, who, bow slung on his right shoulder and hands respectfully folded, stands before him. Arjuna begins his journey to Indrakila hill in the Himalayas; On his way he meets two cowherds and their cows.
Location: Andhra Pradesh Temple;Virabhadraswamy Temple;Lepakshi
Positioning: Natyamandapa, central hall, west bay
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