From Nṛsiṃha to Pratyāṅgirā

Study of Sectarian Myth Making And Sovereignty

Abstract

Mythological stories in  Brāhṃanical religious literature are not merely transcendental allegory but are often lodged with deeper ecclesiastical, political and sectarian assertions. The dynamic rivalry among the sects most notably  Śaivism, Vaiṣṇavism and Śāktism,  and artistic tradition reflecting worldview where the nature and the sanctified are impeccably interlaced. Here this paper focuses on their legends or iconology, artistic expression or iconography, and arcane symbolism. Nsiṃha, a composite half lion – human deity , considered as fourth incarnation or Avatāra of lord Viṣṇu. He is an personification of animal bestiality and human intelligence. Śarva  another composite figure of lion-bird-human , vanquishes Nṛsiṃha  to asseverate lord Śiva’s supremacy. Mahā-Pratyāṅgirā , the lion headed goddess from Tantric Traditions, Her iconography bolster–up  her role as  a destroyer of malign forces and protector of secret insight. Composite figure here, referring to the mythological, religious  and artistic representation of  some features of animals and human when combined together to form one sole often holding symbolic and religious meaning. The paper also focusses on the important fact that how  mythological transformations subtly showcases how religious power struggles not only confined in theological debates and temple patronage but as well in woven into the structures of mythic lore.Stating their provenance with the help of literary sources such as Atharva Veda, Mārkaṇdeya Purāṇa, Śiva Purāṇa, Brahṃāṇḍa Purāṇa, Devī bhāgavata Purāṇa, Śākta Upapurāṇas, Two Orissan leaf manuscripts, and Āgamas such as Kamika Āgamas, Mālinī-Vijaya Tantra, inscriptions and etc.