The Art of Rama's Pattabhishekham (Rajyabhisheka)
And thereafter Rama was adorned with (Manu’s) bejeweled crown by the great sage Vasishtha! |
The Story of Rama is entrenched in all aspects of life in India. One of the most common events that is often seen on temple carvings, traditional art forms (such as tanjavur paintings), and performing arts is Rama's pattabhishekham (coronation). Through this short piece, I will be trying to look at composition and detail of some these common pieces of art and compare them with the description in Valmiki's Ramayana. At the outset, let me say that this is by no means a scholarly, exhaustive analysis. It is largely anecdotal and done in a spirit of celebration and appreciation of this art.
First I am am sharing excerpts that are relevant to the scene of the pattabhishekham from the Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 128 of Valmiki's Ramayana. This will be followed by pieces of art and my commentary on them based on these excerpts.
Excerpts from Yuddha Kand, Sarga 128
On the orders of Sugreeva, jars filled with waters from four oceans (चतुर्णान् सागराम्भसाम्) were brought by the vanaras for the pattabhishekham (6-128-50)
Jambavant, along with vanaras Hanuman, Vegadarshi and Rishbha brought water from 500 rivers(नदीशतानां पञ्चानान् जले) (6-128-52,53)
Sushena brought water from eastern sea (पूर्वात्समुद्रा Bay of Bengal?) in a golden jar covered with precious stones (6-128-54)
Rishabha brought water from southern sea (दक्षिणात्तूर्णन् समुद्राज्जलमाहरत् Indian Ocean?) in a golden jar covered stems from the red sandalwood tree (6-128-55)
Gavaya brought “cool” water (शीतं त्तोयम) from the western ocean (पश्चिमात्तोयमाजहार) (interestingly, even today the Sea Surface Temperatures of the Arabian Ocean are cooler than the Bay of Bengal) (6-128-56)
Nala swiftly brought the northern waters (उत्तराच्च जलन्) (6-128-57)
Throne was studded with precious stones on which Rama and Sita sat. (6-128-59)
The elderly Visistha along with Vamadeva, Kashyapa, Katyayana, Suyajna, Gautama and Vijaya consecrated Rama with ashta-vasus (6-128-60,61)
The crown was originally adorned by emperor Manu and was crated by Brahma at the beginning of creation. (6-128-64)
Sugreeva and Vibhishana held white whisks “shining like a moon” and Shatrughna held a white chatri (parasol) over him. (6-128-68,69)
Rama wore a garland made of a hundred lotuses given by Vayu. (6-128-70)
Rama gifts Angada (Vali's Son) a bicep bracelet with a cats eye gem and laced with precious stones (वैदूर्यमणिचित्रे च वज्ररत्नविभूषिते) (6-128-77)
Hanuman wore a pearl necklace that shined brightly like a silvered cloud on a mountain that was given to him by Sita (6-128-83) Apsaras danced while the Devgandharvas sang during the coronation (6-128-72)
Vanaras Mainada, Dvivida and Nila were also there and received gifts from Rama (6-128-84)
Tanjore Painting
Source: https://www.artisera.com/products/rama-pattabhishekam
In this Tanjore painting one can see Rama with the 100 lotuses garland presented to him by Vayu, Sugreeva at the back left holding the whisk, the other whisk is ought to be held by Vibhishana, but here it seems Bharata is holding it. The Chatri is self-supported but a mast is being held by Shatrughna. Hanuman is wearing the pearls presented to him by Sita. Behind him is jambavant and other vanaras. On the left are the seven rishis. In the middle foreground, it appears to be Angada with the upper-arm bracelet. Behind him may be Vibhishana.
To be continued...
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