Kesha Sundari – Madanike styling her long hair
Kesha Sundari – Madanike styling her long hair
This shilābālike, popularly known as Kesha Sundari, is seen styling her long hair helped by two lady assistants at the bottom, who are holding objects that are likely a part of the hair-styling kit available in that era. Note: In Kannada, kesha means hair, and sundari means a beautiful lady.
As with the other bracket figures, the background has a finely carved creeper. The base on which this bracket figure stands has an inscription written in the Halegannada (Old Kannada) script describing the sculptor, most likely inscribed by the sculptor himself.
This shilābālike is one of the 38 sculptures, known as bracket figures, mounted on the exterior wall surrounding the navaranga (front portion of the temple). Each figure is attached to a bracket placed at an angle just below the eaves of the temple. The base of the sculpture is mounted on the side of a pillar just below its capital.
Kesha Sundari is on the corner pillar located at the junction of the third and fourth sections of the exterior wall on the south side. She is figure number 7 in the navaranga layout.
Other Shilābālikes
– Darpana Sundari, Sukha Bhashini, Nātya Sundari, Gāna Sundari, Kesha Sundari, Tribhangi, Nagna Sundari, Kapāla Durga, Koravanji, Nātya Mohini, Betegārthi
Male Bracket Figures
– Flute playing male musician
– Narthaka – Davane playing male dancer
– Davane playing male musician
Related Pages
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Bracket Figures
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Navaranga
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Garbhagriha Exterior
– Kappe Chennigaraya Shrine
– Somanathapura Keshava Temple – A Masterpiece of Hoysala Temple Art
Copyright © 2019 – 2020 by Lawrence Rodrigues. All rights reserved.