Health, Fertility and Fear: Tracing Makara through Indian Mythology
Bright in color and studded with several precious stones such as rubies and emeralds, this khada (bracelet) is an emblem of 19th century Muslim Indian Art (Met). The terminals of this kadha are in the form of Makara, an ancient hybrid creature famous in Indian, Chinese, and Buddhist mythology. While different accounts contain varying descriptions, Makara is often portrayed as having the body of a crocodile, or other aquatic animal, and the head and ears of an elephant (Semeka-Pankratov 192). Other versions reveal Makara with the head and jaws of a crocodile, a peacock’s tail, the scales of a fish, and an elephant’s trunk (Shen 276). In classical Hindu mythology, Makara has
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often been associated with various deities throughout time. For example, it is often depicted as the vahana of Varuna, the Hindu god of Waters, and of Ganga, the deity associated with the Ganges River (Robbins and Bussabarger, 39). Furthermore, several depictions suggest that the earrings of Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, are also in the shape of Makara. Reason would suggest that this kadha, made of several precious gems and stones, is a symbol of high social status and wealth (Met). However, besides from just being a part of ornaments and lavish jewelry, Makara is also found on the gateways of not just Hindu but also Buddhist buildings and temples (Shen 275). While this notion suggests that the Makara is a widely used symbol in Indian mythology, the aspect most fascinating about this kadha is that it belongs to 19th century Muslim art. Therefore, it seems that the image of the Makara is not just limited to mythology and religion; rather, it has had long lasting influences on the culture and tradition of the Indian sub continent as well. The inclusion of Makara at the ends of this kadha presents an interesting commentary on the symbolic meaning of this Vedic mythological creature in contemporary Indian society. In this paper, I will explore the mythological context behind Makara, and use that to present a commentary on the significance of Makara to this kadha, and more broadly, on Indian culture, mythology, and tradition. Tracing Makara in Hindu Mythology Makara is a prolific and important creature in Hindu mythology.
Evidence suggests that the image of the Makara has been around since at least the 3rd century BC (Robbins and Bussabarger, 39). During the course of Hindu and Buddhist mythology, it has always been connected with deities associated with life-giving properties, such as fertility and sustenance. For example, in some of the early Buddhist sites of India, Makara is associated with the Yakshas—tree deities—who represent the life-giving sap of trees (Robbins and Bussabarger, 38). As Bussabarger and Robins, experts in the field of Indian Art, and authors of The Everyday Art of India eloquently summarize, the Yakshas are “playful deities that live in trees and assist in child-birth” (Robbins and Bussabarger, 42). Here, we can directly see how the Yakshas are associated with fertility and the sustenance of life. Therefore, the association of Makara with the deities responsible for birth is indicative of its association with the overall characteristics of fertility and …show more content…
prosperity. Later on, Maraka is also associated with Varuna, a Vedic god of the living waters. Recognizing the importance of cosmic waters as the origins of all life in Hindu mythology, we can visualize how Varuna is a very important deity, responsible for all births and the root of all creation (Lakshman 137). As one one of the chief Vedic Gods, he later became the god of the oceans, and Makara became his vahana. Makara’s association with Varuna, the Vedic God in charge of birth and fertility, further underscores the link between Makara and the notions of procreation and the sustenance of life. Makara has also been associated with several more deities throughout time. For example, it is associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Kamadeva, the god of love, also has Makara as his standard when he rides a parrot (Robbins and Bussabarger, 42). Traditionally, Makara has also been associated with Vishnu, the protector of the universe. Again, Makara’s association with Vishnu serves to highlight Makara’s link to fertility and the sustenance of life. Throughout Indian mythology, Makara seems to be associated with the most important deities of the time, enabling us to trace the development of Hindu mythology and the interrelationships of Gods. The Dual Nature of Makara While there exists a deep, intrinsic link between Makara and fertility, there also seems to be a dual connotation associated with Makara: evidence suggests that the Makara, a hybrid animal embodying the characteristics of a crocodile, has also been linked to fear and destruction (Darain 117). One of the most important gods with whom Makara has been associated is Ganga, the goddess associated with the Ganges River. According to several Hindu myths, Ganga is considered the celestial creature of heaven; she descends down to earth to rinse the sins of mankind. She represents pristine, purity, and piety. While the goddess represents purity and forgiveness, Makara—her vahana—is the crocodile, an animal has always represented fear and the unknown seas since the beginning of Indian civilization (Darian 116). As mentioned by Steven Darian, author of The Ganges in Myth and History, passages from the Puranas describe the dangers faced by sailors posed by Makara (Darian 118). This fearful and dangerous nature of Makara is manifest in Gajendra Moskha, one of the most famous myths involving Makara.
In this myth, Gajendra, who is the proud king of a herd of elephants, is bathing one hot day in a nearby lake. Suddenly, a crocodile living in the lake attacks Gajendra and catches him by the leg. According to puranic literature, the crocodile simply won’t let go, and Gajendra’s struggle continues for thousands of years. Finally, when Gajendra could struggle no more, he prayed to Lord Vishnu who came and saved Gajendra. In this sense, Makara is depicted as animal who makes people pay for their sins, and as a punisher (Semeka-Pankratov 199). This is very much in juxtaposition to his role as the vahana of the goddess Ganga, who represents forgiveness and purity. Therefore, we can see how Makara is not only associated with fertility and life-giving characteristics, but also fear and life-taking
characteristics. Bringing it all together: Makara in Indian Art Perhaps one of the most recurring symbols in Indian mythology, Makara has always been a very important part of Indian art and architecture. The Makara, a central image of water cosmology, remains today a traditional symbol of the life-giving liquids that insure procreation and fertility. Furthermore, as noted in the myth of Gajendra Moksha, Makara has also often represented death and fear. The vast domain of meanings it represents enables us to understand its widespread use: today, the Makara is often portrayed with several deities on walls of temples, as part of earrings and bracelets worn by brides, on sculptures of sacred images, gateways, and entrances to several other buildings. Despite its widespread use, it can be said theat the Makara continues to retain its original meaning. A detailed analysis of the myths associated with Makara reveals that it has often been associated with, and has come to represent, health, fertility, and procreation. We can see that by tracing how Makara has often become the vahana of perhaps some of the most important gods in Hindu Mythology. This knowledge enables us to see why Makara has been depicted as the terminals of this kadha. Since it represents fertility and the sustenance of life, it is often used in jewelry, ornaments, and wedding rings. Due to such a widespread use, its influence has spread beyond just Indian mythology and culture. Today, it has permeated Indian culture and remains one of the most important symbols in the society and culture. This knowledge and understanding of the symbolic meaning of Makara enables us to see why the Makara is depicted on this kadha, which is emblematic of Muslim art.
The Makah were very creative and smart. They were successful in making clothing, and shelter. They were able to hunt and gather food for themselves. The Makah were able to make good medicine and very good wood work. There real name is Qwidicca-Atx which means people who live among seagulls. The Makah live on the northwest coast. This is on the Pacific Ocean. Let us see what the Makah did.
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