The ascetic is shown on one of the pillars with a long beard and what seems like a jata (matted hair). A kamandala (water carrier) is slung over one of his shoulders with a rope. He is depicted wearing nothing but a kopina (loincloth) and the janeyu (sacred thread), which is prominently displayed. The presence of the janeyu signifies the Brahmin lineage of ascetics in the Pashupata sect, tracing back to Lakulisa and his four disciples. Lakulisa himself is depicted elsewhere in this temple with a prominent janeyu. The minimalist clothing and kamandalu symbolize his asceticism.
Location:
Tonk
Date_accepted:
2024-06-04T09:49:44Z
Modified:
2024-06-04T12:03:15Z
Type:
Image
Creator:
Temples of India Project Team
Contributor:
Anchit Jain
Publisher:
Jio Institute
Rights:
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
References:
Banas river, 12th century CE, Tonk, Temple, Rajasthan, Bisaldeo Temple, Chauhan dynasty, Architecture, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Bisalpur, Gokarneshwara (Gokarnesvara) Mahadev, and Vigraharaja IV