Global impact of assimilation of Āgamic and Purāṇic literature

Abstract

Samhāra Mūrtis or destructive images of Śiva are considered as a different category in Śaiva Iconography. Traditionally Śiva is worshiped in a Linga form; but his images are also found in temple walls or caves. They are divided in different categories like Samhāra Mūrtis, Chandraśekhara Mūrtis, Aghor Mūrtis etc. The systematic study of these Mūrtis and their division is done in Āgamas and the myths which are depicted in these Mūrtis are taken from the Purāṇas. In true sense, these images are assimilation of two different disciplines of Sanskrit literature. This paper will focus on such assimilation through these Samhāra Mūrtis. It will try to establish link between Āgamic descriptions of these Mūrtis to its Purāṇic myths. Since these Mūrtis has artistic appeal and form, global impact of assimilation of this Sanskrit literature on art will also be discussed. Systematic documentation of the Samhāra Mūrtis of Śiva mentioned in the Āgamas and Purāṇas and the myths related to the peculiar iconography of these Mūrtis. An inter-text and intra-text critical and comparative analysis of the iconographic features and variations of forms of each of the Mūrtis are to be examined. Research will be limited to the study of Samhāra Mūrtis from Śaiva Āgamas and Purāṇas. The thrust area for the work will be iconography and mythology. Study of iconography and mythological concepts from Śaiva Āgamas & Purāṇas and their connections. A study of the influence of these iconographical and mythological concepts on Indian art and culture is too examined