 |
| Tyagada Brahmadeva Pillar upload.wikimedia.org |
Above image: Tyagada Brahmadeva Pillar (2.3 m tall) at Shravanabelagola
.jpg) |
| The Tyagada Brahmadeva Pillar upload.wikimedia.org |
Above image: hotos from Shravanabelagola by Vinayaraj 2018
The Tyagada Brahmadeva Pillar is a remarkable example of 10th-century Jain and Western Ganga dynasty architecture, standing as a free-standing Mahastambha (pillar) in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka. It represents the religious, cultural, and artistic expressions of its era. Here are the key points about this monument:
Historical Background The pillar was commissioned by Chamundaraya, a minister, commander, and devout Jain during the rule of the Western Ganga kings, primarily Marasimha II, Rachamalla IV, and Rachamalla V. It was erected around 983 CE and is located on Vindhyagiri Hill (Dodda Betta in Kannada), near the monolithic statue of Gommateshwara (Bahubali), an iconic Jain symbol. Old Kannada inscriptions at the base confirm Chamundaraya's involvement and provide historical insights.
Architectural Features Height and Design: The pillar is 2.3 meters tall with a square base and intricate floral carvings of creepers and bell-shaped flowers. Base Sculptures: Relief carvings on the base depict Chamundaraya and his guru Nemichandra Siddhanta Chakravarti, surrounded by attendants. Chamundaraya’s queen, Gagan, is also portrayed. It is an example of the Manastambha tradition, believed to honor the Sarvanubhuti Yaksha, a benevolent Jain spirit, rather than Brahma or other deities.
Enclosure and Alterations Around 1700 CE, the pillar was enclosed in an open structure, obscuring part of its height. Later modifications by Heggade Kanna (c. 1180 CE) included adding an image of a Yaksha at the top and a minor inscription on the south face, which unfortunately resulted in erasure of parts of the original text.
Inscriptions The north face retains a detailed Old Kannada inscription by Chamundaraya, chronicling the pillar's erection. The inscriptions on other faces were erased, limiting the full historical narrative. A later inscription by Haggadah Kanna praises his additions to the pillar, marking an evolving cultural legacy.
Cultural Significance The pillar embodies the Jain principle of renunciation and devotion, aligning with Chamundaraya's spiritual and material contributions. Free-standing pillars like this are iconic to Western Ganga architecture, emphasizing grandeur and religious piety. Historian S. Settar and epigraphist B.L. Rice highlight the pillar's importance in understanding Jain art and inscriptions.
The Tyagada Brahmadeva Pillar remains an important testament to the sophisticated artistry and religious devotion of the Western Ganga dynasty, covering par tof West Karnataka standing in harmony with Shravanabelagola’s rich Jain heritage.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyagada_Brahmadeva_Pilla
The Tyagada Brahmadeva Pillar (or Chhagada Brahmadeva Pillar) is a decorated free standing pillar (lit, Stambha), 2.3 m tall, commissioned by Chamundaraya, an important minister and commander in the Western Ganga kingdom, during the rule of King Marasimha II (963–975), Rachamalla IV (975–986) and Rachamalla V.[1][2] The pillar dates to around 983 C.E. and exists on the Vindyagiri hill (called Dodda Betta in local Kannada language) in the important Jain heritage town Shravanabelagola, in the Karnataka state, India.[3] On the base of the pillar, on the north side, is an inscription in old Kannada language of the same period,[4] which according to epigraphist and historian B.L. Rice confirms Chamundaraya's involvement in the erection of the pillar.[5][6] Free standing pillars are a characteristic feature of the Western Ganga art and are broadly classified as "Mahastambha" (or "Manastambha", "Indrastambha") and "Brahmastambha".[3][7]
The pillar was enclosed (around 1700) with an enclosure, open below, so that from the side only some of its length is visible.
Features
The pillar stands facing the enclosure leading to the monolith of Gommateshwara (Bahubali). On the shaft of the pillar are floral carvings depicting creepers and bell-shaped flowers.[3] It has a square base with images of two important 10th-century Jain personalities, Chamundaraya and his guru Nemichandra carved out is relief on one face of the base. They are seated on a platform (adhisthana) and the guru appears to be receiving an object from his disciple with his right hand. They are flanked by attendants (chouri or fan bearers) while Chamundaraya's queen Gagan, her hair tied in a knot, is seen in the background.[3][5]
In the words of the art critic Fergusson,
"If any one wished to select one feature of Indian architecture which has its perfection and weakness there are probably no objects more suited for this purpose than these free-standing pillars.
It was a common practice among the 10th century kings of the Western Ganga dynasty to erect free-standing pillars in front of Jain basadis.[7] According to the art critic and historian S. Settar, generally "Brahmadeva" pillars found in front of ancient Jain temples do not house sculptures of the Brahma Yaksha or the god Brahma, rather these pillars find their origins in the "Manastambha" and house an image of the Sarvanubhuti Yaksha (a benevolent spirit). According to the historian I. K. Sarma, the term may have originated from "Bhrm" meaning to "wander around".[9][5]
Old Kannada inscription
Old Kannada inscription (983 CE) on north face of Tyagada Brahmadeva pillar
According to B. L. Rice, the inscription on the north face contains an account by Chamundaraya himself. The original inscription (983 C.E.) was made on all four faces of the square base. However, at present, only the inscription on the north face is intact. According to Rice, the rest of the original inscription appears to have been erased at the instance of Heggade Kanna, a later day chief. Chief Kanna, while installing the image of a Yaksha (an attendant of the god of wealth Kubera) at the top of the pillar, had a minor inscription no longer than two and a half lines of old Kannada (dated to about 1180 A.D.) dedicated to his deed inscribed on the south face of the base. This according to Rice deprived historians from getting complete information about the erection of the pillar.[10]
