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A sketch of the goddess Ganga on her
Vahana(mount)
Makara
According to Hindu mythology, Makara, a mythical creature, is the vahana of Ganga and Varuna. It is also the insignia of Kamadeva, a god (of Hindus) representing love and lust, and Kama’s flag (dhwaja) is known as Karkadhvaja, that is, a flag having makara depicted on the flag. Traditionally, a makara is considered to be an aquatic creature, and some traditional accounts identify it with crocodile, whereas some other accounts identify it with dolphin. Still others portray it as a fish body with an elephant's head. The tradition identifies the makara with water, the source of all existence and fertility. In astronomy, it is the sign of Capricorn, one of the twelve symbols of the Zodiac.
In Indian art, the makara finds expression in the form of motifs, and have been so portrayed in different styles, including the following:
- on the entry points (torans) of several Buddhist monuments, including the stupa of Sanchi, a world heritage site
- on royal thrones
[edit] References
- Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola
- The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols by Mirando Bruce-Mitford
