THE PURUSHAMRIGA AND THE SPHINX
According to the dictionary, a
sphinx is a composite mythological being
with the body of a lion and a human head. Sphinxes were a significant feature
in all forms of ancient art in antiquity, and also through later periods, till today.
They played a significant role in myth and ritual. In spite of this almost nothing
is known about the beliefs connected to the sphinx, its meaning in symbolism,
or its role in doctrine and ritual in Egypt, Mesopotamia, West Asia or Greece.
Because these ancient civilizations have disappeared many centuries ago, and
no texts or oral traditions relating to the sphinx have survived.
In India the composite being with a lion
body and a human head is part
of the living tradition.
Its Sanskrit name is purushamriga or human-beast.
It plays a role in temple ritual, in myths and legends, and in the worship of the
devotees.
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EGYPT
Sheshep-ankh
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GREECE
Sphinx
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INDIA
Purushamriga
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In at least two temples, the temple of the Dancing Shiva in
Chidambaram (Tamil Nadu), and the Shiva temple in Kalahasti (Andhra Pradesh),
devotees worship the sphinx-purushamriga at the entrance of the temple
before proceeding to worship the deity in the central shrine..
It is the tradition and the belief of the devotees that the worship
of the sphinx-purushamriga will purify them of sins and impurities.
In numerous other temples sculptures of sphinx-purushamriga are situated
at ritually significant places as part of the sculptural
program of the temple. Especially on temple gateways or gopurams;
on pillars in festival pavilions; near the entrances of shrines,
near temple ponds. Where ever significant rituals would take place,
the sphinx-purushamriga is found standing guard.
In all temples in South India belonging to the Shaiva tradition and
doctrine (relating to Lord Shiva) the sphinx-purushamriga is also part
of the daily temple worship. Every day a special ritual is performed with
lamps as part of the sixteen upacharas or protocols. And in six temples
(so far identified) the spinx-purushamriga functions as one of the vehicles
or vahanas of the deity for the festival procession.
What does the tradition tell us about this
Indian sphinx? First of all it is always described as a being with
great jñana, which is power, wisdom and knowledge.
Often it is called a rishi or seer. It is therefore often depicted with matted
hair knotted on top of its head, with beard and moustache. It is a devotee of
Lord Shiva. It is also connected to the garden of Kubera, and the northern
cardinal direction. There are more than one purushamriga, and they are
regularly found as pairs of male and female. It is connected with the
establishment of stone temples. And it is said to remove the impurities
and sins, and even the fear of death from devotees in some temples.
Throughout the South-Asian subcontinent we find a great variety of
artistic styles in the depiction of Indian sphinxes. Besides the traces of
Hellenistic influence in the early period in North and Central India,
sphinx-purushamriga are depicted in specific Indian artistic styles.
Through my fieldwork I have been able to trace a possible linear
development. From crouching purushamriga with a lion’s mane surrounding
a human face, through striding and jumping figures, towards
sphinx-purushamriga who are half human beings and partly upright.
And finally becoming fully upright figures with lion’s legs and claws. Tall
warrior-like rishis, larger than life-size. Worshipping with folded hands or
brandishing a sword or club.
