“Harihara” Panel in Durga Temple of Aihole

We would discuss the “Harihara” Panel at the Durga Temple of Aihole in this article.

Lord Harihara at Durga Temple of Aihole

In the last niche at the Durga Temple of Aihole is the sculpture of Harihara – the fusion form of Lord Vishnu (Hari) and Lord Shiva (Hara). Both the Gods contributes to half the features of the single entity in the idol of Harihara, the right portion of the idol represents Lord Shiva, while the left portion represents Lord Vishnu.

Features of Lord Harihara at Durga Temple, Aihole

In this panel Lord Harihara is short and stocky. The round face of the idol carries an expression of serenity and peace. It is an eight-armed statue of Lord Harihara. Unfortunately, the hands of the idol are all destroyed, especially the right hand side ones along with the objects held in the hands. It is difficult to imagine how it might have looked with all the features intact.

However, in the current state, the straight and erect standing position of the Lord lacks the charm. The composition is earthy and heavy similar to Rashtrakuta art. The difference with the Rashtrakuta art is that most of the Rashtrakuta arts are expressive but this sculpture lacks the dynamism and is expressionless.

Position of Lord Harihara’s hands at Durga Temple, Aihole

The Shiva side of the idol (right side portion) is wearing a Jatamukuta while the Hari side is wearing a Kirita-mukuta. In the upper left hand, Lord Vishnu is holding Sudarshan Chakra. In the next one, it seems He is holding a sword or dagger. With the next hand He caresses Lakshmi, who is standing next to Him. The fourth hand is holding a conch.

On Shiva’s side is Nandi or a Shiva-gana. He is looking at the Lord’s face. Devi Lakshmi is standing towards Lord Vishnu. She is in inclined position, standing on Her right leg.

On the top, at two sides are the beautiful flying apsaras. The apsara in right hand side and the Nandi/Shiva-gana head are tilted in one direction, while the heads of Devi Lakshmi and the apsara on left hand side are tiled in other side.

References

The Art and the Architecture of Aihole by R. S Gupte

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