The centimeter grid scale is placed on the pillar capital to record the proportion of the carvings, Harshnath Temple Complex, Sikar district, Rajasthan. (Image courtesy: Mrunal Nidadavolu)
One of the ascetics is adorned with a sacred rudraksha mala and a rudraksha armband. The rudraksha (dried stones or seeds of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus associated with Shiva iconography) holds special significance as the sacred symbol of Lord Shiva. It means ‘tears of Shiva.’ According to a legend, once when Shiva was performing penance, tears shed from his eyes and he fell to the ground. Eventually, these transformed into seeds that sprouted into a tree. Thus, this visual depiction of a Shaiva ascetic forms a profound association between the devotee and their lord.
In an alternative portrayal of the ascetic, he is depicted standing, facing slightly to his left. He has a jatabhara (matted hairdo) atop his head and a lengthy moustache. The features of his face have eroded, but two notable ones are his elongated earlobes and the rudraksha (dried stones or seeds of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus associated with Shiva iconography) armband. One of his hands clasps a pot while his fingers are delicately positioned atop it. Notably, his phallus is exposed in this depiction.
On the northern wall, there is a depiction of a surasundari (celestial damsel) an elaborate hairdo, fashioned into a bun. She stands tall and slender, bedecked with substantial jewellery. One of her hands is fractured, while the other rests near her exposed reproductive organ. It is worth noticing that both ascetic and surasundari are shown with their revealed genitalia, they both represent different natures and stand for opposite symbolism.
The portrayal of this surasundari (celestial damsel), on the northern wall, encapsulates the nurturing essence of femininity. Standing gracefully, she cradles a baby in her arms, although the faces of both mother and child are obscured. The mother has a voluptuous figure adorned with elaborate ornaments. The child is depicted holding her breast, symbolizing the bond of maternal care and sustenance.
The surasundari (celestial damsel), presently faceless, stands gracefully with her voluptuous body adorned with exquisite ornaments, on the eastern wall of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum. Although her right hand is raised and damaged, she holds a fine scarf in her left hand near her belly, wrapping it around her arms. Her lower body is veiled by a fine translucent garment. A small creature is depicted moving upward on her left leg. The surasundari vividly embodies sensual beauty, in stark contrast to the tranquil and composed posture of the ascetic. There is a kalasha (water pot) placed at the bottom near her feet with foliage, symbolizing abundance and growth as does the female body.
There is another instance where an ascetic and a surasundari (celestial damsels) are shown next to each other. On the northern wall, the ascetic, now bereft of intricate details, reflects the simplicity and lack of materialistic wealth when juxtaposed with the jewellery-adorned surasundari. Though headless, she gleams with jewels. A slight flex of her posture graces her form with delicacy. Her full bosom is draped in lavish necklaces, one of which hangs down in between her breasts. A heavy girdle ornaments her slim waist, its loops descend gracefully down her legs. In her hand, she holds a kalasha (water pot) with flourishing tendrils, a testament to abundance and growth.
The eastern wall of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) depicts the juxtaposition of the ascetic and the surasundari (celestial damsels). The ascetic is portrayed with a substantial jatabhara (matted hairdo) atop his head, along with a lengthy beard and moustache. His elongated earlobes signify a Mahapurusha lakshana (attributes), indicating him as a great individual. He is depicted with a bare upper body adorned with a broad yajnopavita (sacrificial thread), while his lower body is covered with a langoti (loincloth). His right hand appears damaged and raised, and he holds an unidentified object in his left hand.
Individual families bring coconuts to Versova Beach by placing them in a kalash (pot) and carrying the pot on their heads. Though Narali Purnima is primarily a festival observed by sea-faring fishing communities, other communities also offer coconuts to the sea on this auspicious occasion.