Latest news with #Virabhadra
Time of India
15-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
16th-century miniature sculpture unearthed in Palnadu
Vijayawada: A rare and exquisite 16th-century miniature sculpture of Virabhadra, believed to be from the Vijayanagara period , was unearthed near an old Shiva temple at Bhairavunipadu village in Macherla mandal, Palnadu district. According to noted archaeologist and CEO of Pleach India Foundation, Dr E Sivanagireddy, the idol was discovered half-buried among bushes near the ancient temple, based on information provided by local resident Munnangi Jagannadham. Dr Reddy, who inspected the sculpture, described it as a remarkable example of Vijayanagara art and iconography. The idol measures 6 inches in length, 12 inches in height, and 2 inches in thickness. It depicts Virabhadra — a fierce form of Lord Shiva — holding an arrow and a sword in his right hands and a bow and shield in his left. The deity is shown standing in the graceful tribhanga pose on a pedestal, a characteristic style of the era. He commended Jagannadham for his efforts in safeguarding the historically valuable idol and placing it in the old Shiva temple for protection. Dr Reddy also urged the villagers to preserve the sculpture for future generations as a symbol of their rich cultural heritage. DR Shyamsunder Rao, design in-charge of the Buddhavanam Project, also participated in the program.
Hans India
14-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
16th century miniature sculpture unearthed
Vijayawada: A beautiful miniature sculpture of Virabhadra meant for domestic worship datable to 16th century was found half buried in the bushes close to old Shiva temple at Bhairavunipadu village of Macherla mandal in Palnadu district, said Dr E Sivanagireddy, Archaeologist and CEO, Pleach India Foundation. Based on the information given by local resident Munnangi Jagannadham, Sivanagireddy on Tuesday inspected the idol measuring 6 inches in length, 12 inches in height and 2 inches in thickness. He said Virabhadra holds an arrow and sword in the right hands and bow and shield in the left hands and standing in Tribhanga on a pedestal represents typical Vijayanagara iconography and art style. Dr Reddy appreciated Jagannadham for rescuing the historically important sculpture and safeguarding it in the local old Shiva temple and appealed to the villagers to preserve it for posterity. DR ShyamsunderRao, Design in charge,Buddhavanam project participated in the programme.
New Indian Express
27-04-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
When Vishnu fought Shiva's wrath
While stories abound of the minor gods fighting each other, it is rare to find the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva standing against each other. One such story comes from the Taittiriya Samhita, which is part of the Krishna (black) Yajurveda, and Shatapatha Brahmana of the Shukla (white) Yajurveda and Gopatha Brahmana of the Atharvaveda. When Devi Sati, Shiva's wife, immolated herself after her father Daksha insulted Shiva, word reached Lord Shiva. He jumped up in anger and uprooted a plait of his matted hair and angrily dashed it upon the Kailasha mountain. From this dashing, Virabhadra and Bhadrakali emerged. Lord Shiva ordered Virabhadra to destroy Daksha's yagya (sacrifice). Virabhadra left with the ganas (Shiva's followers) to carry out his orders. Daksha appealed to Vishnu, who had come to attend Daksha's yagya, to protect him. Vishnu told him that he would protect him, but rebuked him for showing disrespect to Lord Shiva and told him that because of his behaviour, the gods gathered for the sacrifice were not strong enough to defend him. The Devas and Daityas prepared to fight the Ganas. Indra rode on his elephant Airavata, and the other gods also rode their vehicles. The ganas and Virabhadra fought furiously and caused them to flee in different directions. Then Vishnu entered the battlefield. On seeing him, Virabhadra bowed before him and said, 'Why have you come here to fight on the side of Daksha? How do you expect to be victorious after witnessing what he has done? To me, you are just like Shiva, but if you continue to face me with a desire to fight, I shall give you liberation.' Vishnu smiled at Virabhadra's words and said, 'I had been repeatedly requested by Daksha to attend the sacrifice. Like Shiva, I am subservient to my devotees. Either I shall restrain you or you shall restrain me.' Virabhadra bowed down to Vishnu and said, 'Just as Shiva, so also you. All of us are servants of both you and Shiva.' Vishnu smiled and said, 'Unhesitatingly fight me. When I have become satisfied with your arrows, I shall go to my abode.' In this friendly spirit, the battle resumed. Vishnu and Virabhadra had fought for some time when Indra attacked Virabhadra again. He struck Virabhadra with his vajra (thunderbolt). Virabhadra tried to swallow Indra along with his elephant. Vishnu quickly pushed Indra back and resumed fighting with Virabhadra. Virabhadra covered Vishnu with arrows. Vishnu attacked with his Sudarshan Chakra (discus). Virabhadra swallowed the discus. Vishnu stroked and pressed his mouth, causing him to spit the discus out. Vishnu thought that he had fulfilled his duty towards Daksha. He collected his discus and left for his abode. Thus ended a friendly fight between two of the Trimurti. YouTube: @
