1115. Ancient Illusion Sculptures......!

We come across two ancient architects in our Puranas, Vishwakarma was the one who devoted his skills to Devas and Mayasura built for Danavas. While the city of Dwarka is credited to Vishwakarma, Mayasura is the architect of Golden Lanka.  There is an interesting story in Mahabharata in connection with “Maya Sabha” (Palace of Illusions) which was the seed for the Great War of Kurukshetra.

Once it is said that Agni (Fire God) had severe stomach pain and was advised to gulp Khandava Vana (Forest) which was rich in medicinal plants. Agni sought the help of Arjuna to oversee the task without any obstructions. Arjuna along with Sri Krishna stood guard while Agni burnt down the forest. In the forest lived Takshaka, a Naga (Serpent) King and with him was Mayasura his friend. Arjuna saved both from the soaring tongues of Agni.

As a sign of gratitude Mayasura gave a conch called Devadutta to Arjuna and asked him to request for anything else. By that time Pandavas were homeless after Lakshagraha (House of Lacquer) was burnt down by Duryodhana. Arjuna asked Mayasura to build a palace so that his elder brother Yudhisthira could perform Rajasuya yagya. Mayasura was known for his excellence in the art of illusionary architecture. He started building the palace which was filled with illusions.  It was built with numerous pillars which were concealed by cascades. Walls were decorated with gems and precious stones to look like creepers filled with ever blooming flowers. It was so artistically designed that it created illusions of all seasons in one room. 

As one walked on the floor in intervals there would be an illusion of waterbed, which was not to be there. The floor in some places reflected the ceilings and in some places there was a feel of looking at a gorge. Some of the walls were transparent and some of the windows gave an illusion of being opened but they were merely reflecting the outside world onto their surface.

The entire Maya Sabha was weird and a crazy place and Pandavas performed the Rajasuya Yagna in it. Kauravas were invited and Duryodhana was stunned looking at the engineering marvel. While walking on the floor he found a pond and was taking a contour route and to his disbelief he saw some men walking over the pond. Surprised and in the state of incredulity that he was, he encountered another waterbed and thinking it to be like the one he just found, he stepped on it and fell into the water. 

Draupadi who was watching him from her quarters laughed at him and that’s when Duryodhana took a vow that he will take revenge of the humiliation. The seed of hatred towards Pandavas started to sprout. 

Even to this day we have artisans who create sculptures like we have had the “Vrishabha Kunjara” an interesting piece of artwork with head of Bull and Elephant in common. A dancer sculpted in three different angles with same torso and three different limbs. A dancer and two of her musicians share four legs.

Creativity at the best….!!!