Markandeya Chariot Carving From South India - 18th Century

This Indian carved teak panel depicts the story of Markandeya who was destined to die at age 16. Markandeya was a devotee of Shiva and protected from death. The god of death, Yama riding a bull came to take Markandeya's life by thowing a rope around his neck. Instead, the noose became tied around a nearby Shivalingam summoning Lord Shiva. Shiva battled Yama to the point of defeat and saved Markandeya earning Shiva the name of Kalantaka (The Ender of Death). This piece is mounted on a sturdy stand.

It is a fragment from a larger chariot and known as a chariot carving. These chariots are enormous temples on wheels which are drawn through the streets by hundreds of people. They are called Ratha Yatra. In Orissa the Ratha Yatra carry an image of Krishna known locally as Lord Jaganath. This is the origin of the word Juggernaut which we use to describe large trucks.

From India

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