Ideal Iconography

 Well, to state a rather obvious truth, 'seen in a new light, the old appears a-new.' Yes, perception changes cognition. Just a little tilt this or that side, or a look upside down, and with the changed perspective, emerges a     re-vision, right?

An epiphanic example of such a re-look for me is my re-think of the beasts often associated with the Devi. Let me see if I can make some sense thereof, an exercise thousand times much better than wearing a particular colour on a particular day as defined by consumerism.

Indeed, my attempt is more honest on a subtler level than going from one pandal to yet another one in search of Falguni Pathak or her screechier versions. Well, I could even go a step ahead and assert that such an analysis is more adrenaline inducing than mere temple- and/or bhajan-mandali- hopping! 

Which beasts are associated with the Devi in the traditional iconography? The most noteworthy one is the bull, of course. Sure, he is thus an extension of her consort's, Lord Shiva's, 'Nandi. '

In a more symbolic way, if the Devi is the mother principle, then this beast of burden, from time immemorial the symbol of the menial, hard work, has to be the best companion for the feminine principle with whom, agree most all thinkers from most all  -isms, began the agrarian settlements. 

The lion, another major of the Devi's animal companions, is the symbol of regality, grandeur, bravery and uniqueness. I saw birds such as the swan and the eagle as well as the Devi's vehicle. If the swan stands for purity, for grace, for gentle perfection, the eagle symbolises her power and her perspicacity. 

In one of the pictograms, I saw the Kali Mata riding an ass! I think such a depiction shows the Divine revealing the power to control the asinine in the human heart as well as in the society.  In brief, iconographically, too, the more you explore, the better possibilities open up! 

Pratima@ Such interpretations are like the childhood simple but fascination contraption, the kaleidoscope! A slight shift, and emerges a new de-sign!

Quote of the day:                                                          Says Peter Pearson:"Iconography, good iconography, strives to convey invisible reality in a visible form."

Word of the day: iconography                                 Iconography is the science or study of visual symbols, images, and themes in art and culture, as well as the system of symbols used to convey specific meanings.