Gandaberunda

A Jewelery, a saree, Russian Kingdom, a temple Vehicle, Mysuru kingdom, a story narrated by a common man, Karnataka government, Albania nation, a sculpture I have seen in person are all connected by a very strange common theme.

Figure 1: Sculpture in a temple pillar, Bengaluru

The above sculpture is carved on a pillar in Ulsoor Sri Someshwara temple of Bengaluru. It is called Gandaberunda. Though similar, its spelling and pronunciation varies in different regions of India like Gandaberundam, Gandaberunda Pakshi and so on. It is also referred to as double headed eagle or double headed bird in general.

Depictions of many imaginary creatures is a common sight in Indian temples. One can easily assume this sculpture as a depiction of yet another imaginary bird. Yet, it is special. To understand its speciality let us check the direct and indirect details we can gather from this depiction.

Figure 2: Sculpture in a temple pillar, Bengaluru

Direct Information:

It is easy to observe the human body, strong legs and arms, two eagle heads, wings spread wide at the back, ornaments around neck and shoulders. The overall depiction gives an impression of a strong warrior. Also, there are elephants under each legs; elephants in each of its arms; And elephants in each of its beaks. Overall, this imaginary bird with a human body and double eagle heads is controlling 6 mighty elephants easily. (I have outlined the elephants using coloured lines)

Indirect Information:

An eagle is around 3 feet in height and an elephant is around 10 feet in height.

Now, when we compare the size of the elephants at the bottom of the sculpture with the overall height of the Gandaberunda, one can get an idea of of the height of this imaginary bird the sculptor is trying to convey to us!

An elephant can weigh around 4000 – 5000 kg. To have 6 elephants imprisoned under its control, how heavy and strong that Gandaberunda must be?

All these make this Gandaberunda depiction very special.

Historians believe that this mandapam(Hall) where the sculpture is present is built during Vijayanagara dynasty in 16^th century and some parts of this temple is much older than this

My journey to trace the history of the Gandaberunda yielded lots of curious details.

Balligavi is a place located in Karnataka’s Shimoga(officially known as Shivamogga ) district under Shikaripura Taluk.

There is a 30 feet victory column. There was a statue of Gandaberunda with double headed eagle and human body. It was called “Berundeshwara”

Here are the British era photos.

Figure 3: Balligavi Berundeshwara, British period picture

A stone inscription that was present at the bottom of this column, indicates that this structure was constructed by the Kalyani Chalukya king Someshwara I who ruled this region from his capital Banavasi. (Epigraphia Carnatica, vol VII, no 151 of Shikarpur – dated 1047 CE)

In 1930s, the statue had fallen and crashed. The column had developed cracks. To keep the column intact, Mysuru king built a platform around it. A new Berundeshwara statue was placed in a chamber at one of the sides of the platform.

Here is how the structure and the statue looks now.

Figure 4: Balligavi Berundeshwara, At present

An additional information: Wars were fought between Kalyani Chalukya and Chola dynasties. An inscription found in the Someshwara temple located in this place conveys that Rajathiraja I of Chola dynasty died in 1054 CE in a war. (Epigraphia Carnatica, vol VII, no 118 of Shikarpur - dated 1054 CE)

When we move 40 km from Balligavi, we time travel from 11^th to 16^th century. That place is Keladi! The Rameshwara temple here has a beautiful depiction of Gandaberunda on the ceiling of its mandapam. This temple was constructed by Keladi Nayakas in 16^th century. Keladi Nayakas were initially part of the Vijayanagara dynasty.

Figure 5: Gandaberunda, Keladi - Photo credit - Wikipedia

Unlike the previous one, this is shown fully as a double headed eagle. Its detailing is very elaborate. Because it is undisturbed by being out of reach on the ceiling, it looks very crisp and beautiful. It gives the impression that both the heads are looking at us. The individual crowns in turn join to create a jewelled crown! Elephants are held tightly by its talons; On the left side, a lion is holding an elephant. This pair of lion and elephant is lifted by this mighty bird. The other head is again lifting one more pair of lion and elephant! The beaks are open to hold the pairs of its prey tightly!

A Gandaberunda carrying 4 elephants and 2 lions and soaring high in the sky! What a sight it would be! Probably to show its mighty flight it is carved on the ceiling whereas the previous depictions are on pillars!

It is scary to think what would happen to animals in a forest if such an imaginary Gandaberunda would have been alive!

Next, this bird took to skies in search of Thanjavur Nayaka king or it flew there on a royal invitation from Thanjavur Nayaka king. It tried to lift the 25,000 kg monolithic Nandi(Bull) from the Thanjavur Big Temple. It could not. So, it has brought three of its accomplices. Alas! Even the group of four could not lift the bull! What a disappointment to them who were used to lifting elephants and lions! Not in a mood to give up, the four birds are sitting on the ceiling and seriously discussing plans to achieve this mammoth task! You can meet and share your ideas too when you visit the temple next time!

Let me stop my wild imagination here and move on with the facts 😊

Figure 6: Gandaberunda painting, Thanjavur Big Temple,
Photo credit - Pinterest - Ramya Mani and Wikipedia

The mammoth Nandi in the Nandi mandapam is not installed by Rajaraja Cholan! The Nandi what we see here today is installed by Thanjavur Nayaka kings in 16th century. The original Nandi installed by Rajaraja Cholan is in the left prakara mandapa near the Varahi temple. If it is difficult to believe, there are lots of sources to refer to; for example, wikipedia, reliable history books (for example Thanjavur by Dr.Kudavayil Balasubramanian) or attend workshops on Temple Architecture (Details of one such workshop is shared at the end of this writeup)

The “Nandi mandapam” ceiling has beautiful paintings from Nayaka period. One of the paintings has Gandaberunda drawn on four corners. These are shown with double headed eagle with peacock body along with its beautiful long tail!

Birds are meant to fly even if they are imaginary birds! So, it flew another 100 kms to Atmanathaswamy Temple at Avudaiyarkoil(Thirupperunthurai). This temple has two big Gandaberunda paintings. This temple is believed to have been built in 10th century and expanded in 15-16th centuries.

Figure 7a: Avudaiyarkoil Painting 1
Photo credit - MinTamil Google Group

This painting is seen on the left part of ceiling of Sage Manikkavasakar Shrine. This painting has peeled off in many spots. If we observe carefully, (especially when zoomed out) the details can be made out. The whole depiction has a red or maroon background with many yellow creepers (along with flowers) motif. The legs of Gandaberunda are painted in yellow, the body is painted with numerous white and red small checker patterns. The wings in white are spread wide on either side. A greyish black elephant is held in its left leg. The tusks and the trunk of this elephant are seen clearly. Even the contours of the trunk are neatly drawn.

The left beak holds an elephant whose body, head and trunk only remain to be seen. Another elephant which supposed to be close by seems to have peeled off.

Next to the right beak, an elephant (like the one on left side) should have been painted here. It is missing now except for its trunk. To its right, a portion of another elephant is seen. Only the upper body, head, trunk part of the tusk are seen. The elephant held by the right leg is not visible much, only tusk and trunk remain to be seen.

Figure 7b: Avudaiyarkoil Painting 2.
Photo credit - MinTamil Google Group

The painting shown above is painted on the right part of the ceiling of the same shrine. The greyish black colour used for the elephants has peeled off in many placed and instead they are seen white. Yet, we can locate 6 elephants in this painting. I am confident you can locate them and so I leave the thrill of identifying them solely to you !

When this Gandaberunda has enjoyed the company of the kings, it is not surprising to see its presence in their treasury too! Yes, it has the honour of being depicted in coins of few dynasties too!

Figure 8: Gandaberunda coin during Hoysala period, Photo credit - coinindia.com

It is a Hoysala period coin minted by King Vinayaditya(1047-1098 CE). In this, the double headed bird is seen seated on a Tiger.

This bird is also seen in the coins minted during Vijayanagar king Achyutraya(16th Century). Such coins are found in Madurai also.

Gandaberunda is also one of the royal symbols of Vijayanagara dynasty.

After Vijayanagara dynasty, this bird was embraced and celebrated by Mysuru Wodeyar dynasty. Even today, the Gandaberunda depiction can be seen in its golden throne.

Probably as a continuation of tradition, Karnataka state government has adopted Gandaberunda in its official emblem.

Figure 9: Karnataka state emblem

In the emblem, the double headed eagle takes the centre stage. The lion, elephant pair held by this bird in Keladi depiction is combined here into a new mythical animal called Gajasimham(Elephant-Lion) and a pair of them carry the shield containing the double headed eagle. Various departments of Karnataka government have adopted Gandaberunda as its emblems. It is not a surprise if you come across some or other form of depiction of Gandaberunda in Karnataka especially in the cities of Bengaluru and Mysuru!

The depictions of Gandaberunda are present in many parts of India and outside India since ancient to modern times.

Figure 10: Albanian National Flag

Albania is a nation in southeastern Europe. This imaginary double headed eagle has taken central position in its national flag! Albanians have been using this since 1400 CE and earlier. They have considered it as a privilege and national pride to use it during their freedom struggle over a long time.

Figure 11: Russian Emblem

Documented evidence is available about the usage of double headed eagle in Russia by different kingdoms and royal families since 15th century. It is the emblem(Coat of arms) of Russia too.

Figure 12a: Double headed eagle carving on Sphinx gate.
Photo credit - hittitemonuments.com

Figure 12b: Double headed eagle carving on Sphinx gate.
Photo credit - hittitemonuments.com

Alaca Hoyuk is an archaeological site in Turkey which has remnants of Hittite settlement. Hittite had formed an empire between 1600-1180 BCE. To get a hang of this era, I recollected another important Historical milestone of Indus valley civilisation spread between 3300 and 1300 BCE.

The gateway of their vast complex was decorated by two huge and tall Sphinx pillars. The inner face of one of these pillars has the carving of a double headed eagle. This bird is shown holding rabbits in its feet.

Similar double headed eagle depiction can be seen in ”Chamber A, No:45” at nearby Yazilikiya. These two are considered as the oldest depictions of double headed eagle!

Sometimes one might be turning the entire house upside down looking for a car key only to realise later of carrying it in pant pockets! I was searching the world wide web without realising the possibility of the origins of double headed bird in India. I was thrilled to know about it through friends and it is shared in writer Jeyamohan’s website where he has shared his experience of coming across such depiction during one of his travels.

Figure 13: Double headed eagle? Geoglyph, Kudopi
Photo credit - jeyamohan.in

The picture is a Geoglyph found in Konkan region at Kudopi. Unlike the usual carvings we see on the sides of the rock, these Geoglyphs are carved on the floor of the rock surface. This carving might be around 10x15 feet. Similar Geoglyphs of various sizes are identified in Konkan regions of Maharashtra and Goa.

These are believed to have been made from Mesolithic (10Kya) to Early Historic (1.7Kya) period. In other words, they are believed to be have been created 10,000 years to 1700 years ago. Indian archaeological department has sent its proposal and Konkan Geoglyphs have made it to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Once accepted, the Geoglyphs of Konkan region will attract the attention of worldwide historians and researchers with the possibility of more research and light being shed on them.

Figure 14: Prehistoric rock art Double headed bird?
Photo credit - Photo credit - Sudeesh Kottikkal youtube channel

Few months back I came across a video from a reliable YouTube channel. It was about the rock drawings in a rock shelter of prehistoric humans. This rock shelter is Karnataka’s Arasikere Taluk. Dr Harishkumar, Researcher and Academician, has put forth the idea whether one of the drawings on this shelter can be a double headed bird. Initially I was hesitant to add this information in this article and after seeing the possible double headed depiction at Kudopi, I gained courage to add this information too!

A banyan tree germinates from a tiny seed and grows wider creating lots of new roots from its branches. Once it has spread its wings near and far, it is very difficult to locate the main trunk which came up originally from that tiny seed. Similarly, it is difficult to identify the actual origin of the depiction of double headed bird. At present, the Hittite depiction is considered as the oldest one. Later, the Kudopi Geoglyph or the Arasikere rock drawings may get declared as the oldest ones. There is also a possibility that in future some other depiction might get declared as the oldest one. Whatever may the case, is not it important that we have the banyan tree aka double headed bird aka Gandaberunda with us!

Thus, the Gandaberunda I saw as a sculpture at Bengaluru temple has taken me to a long journey to Turkey and back to India’s Geoglyphs of Kudopi. This virtual journey is possible thanks to many contributors who have shared the knowledge through the internet medium.

Usually, an idea or metaphor begins as oral stories and develops into poems, paintings, sculptures, and statues.

The Tamil Sangam literature (300 BCE to 300 CE) has used the concept of double headed bird through poetic expressions.

In ‘Agananuru’(அகநானூறு) composition, a lady describes the relationship between herself and her friend as the relationship between the heads of the double headed bird!

In ‘Kalithogai”(கலித்தொகை) composition, a husband describes his relationship with his wife as that of a double headed bird with single body and two heads.

It is possible that such usages might be present in other Indian literatures too.

Shouldn't this bird, which has its place in literature, also have a place in dance?

Figure 15: Gandaberunda Hasta mutra.
Photo credit - onlinebharatanatyam.com

This celebrity bird has found its place in Indian classical dance as Bherunda Hasta mudra.

It has registered its place in Indian mythology and has contributed to the Bhakti movement too!

The mythical episode of Narasimha avatar is very popular in India. The concept of Gandaberunda starts towards end of the Narasimha avatar.

As per Indian mythology, Lord Vishnu takes the form of Narasimha (Nara – Human, Simha – Lion) with a human body and Lion head to destroy the demon “Hiranyakashipu”. He kills the demon Hiranyakashipu and wears his guts as a garland in great rage. Unabated, Narasimha continued to kills many more. He is so overpowered by the rage and unable to heed to the requests to stop. So, the “Devas” appeal to Lord Shiva to intervene.

Probably to build a quick rapport with the lion headed Narasimha, Shiva transforms Himself into a form called “Sarabam” with a lion head and body of a eight legged bird. Narasimha quickly understands Shiva’s trick and becomes more aggressive. He in turn invites his vehicle “Garuda”(Eagle), transforms himself with dual strength as double headed eagle called “Gandaberunda”. Vishnu as Gandaberunda and Shiva as Sarabam started fighting and in the end made peace!

Figure 16: Gandaberunda temple vehicle
Photo credit - Mr Santhoosh youtube channel

Some Indian temples use vehicles(mounts) made in the shape of Double headed eagle to carry the idols of Gods during festival processions. The above picture is taken during one such occasion where the Vishnu Idol (Rajagopala Swamy) beautifully decorated with elaborate headgear, ornaments, and colourful flower garlands atop the vehicle during a festival precession at Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu.

Well, what is the role of a common man in this depiction Gandaberunda? Author S. Ramakrishnan of Tamil Nadu, in his book "Katha Vilasam" mentions that in his childhood, he used to walk the long 20 miles with an old cow merchant of his village to a cattle market for the sole purpose of listening to the old man's stories. He fondly recollects that he used to believe that double headed birds and golden roosters of old man’s stories used to be real and living somewhere. The double headed bird has not only lived amidst kings, sculptors, painters; it has lived in the minds of simple village folks and children too!

Figure 17: Gandaberunda motif on silk saree, Photo credit – RMKV.com

In India, the Gandaberunda motif is used in traditional silk sarees also. This motif is found in textiles in different nations too.

Figure 18: Photo credit – indiatoday.in

The tradition of depicting Gandaberunda in the jewellery is seen in Karnataka and elsewhere too .

The Gandaberunda was one of the royal guests at the 2023 Deepavali celebrations of England Prime minister Rishi Sunak’s family! His wife Akshata Murthy had worn a gold chain with a Gandaberunda pendent. This has attracted the attention of Indian media and they have published news article appreciating this.

Eagles have very sharp vision; they can spot a moving tiny chick even from a height of around 100 feet. It can precisely spot such tiny chick and swoop down swiftly to lift it instantly. This is a scientific fact.

When such a skilled bird is adopted as a guard by a nation? That too with double heads? It is a beautiful fantasy that our adventurous mind wants to believe.

Along with sharp vision and swiftness, what if this imaginary bird is imagined as being strong and courageous even to lift elephants and lions? That is what the depictions we have seen earlier indicate!

We can also consider Gandaberunda as symbolic representation for a message the kingdom would like to give it to its citizens. Such a message might be that their government is swift, sharp in identifying and eliminating the enemies as well strong and courageous in providing protection!

When Gandaberunda depiction is used as a temple vehicle during the festival procession, it can symbolically mean that the God is even more powerful than the mighty Gandaberunda and will protect His devotees.

When we expand our scope beyond India, this double headed eagle motif has been used in the ancient Byzantine, Roman, Spanish, Russian, German, French, and Bulgarian dynasties too. This bird had flown and set foot as far as Serbia, Albania, Finland and the list is long.

This depiction is also present in South America. Probably Europeans would have taken it there.

When we start star gazing, initially might locate only a single star and as we continue our star gazing, numerous stars will fill our vision slowly. Likewise, when I started my search about this imaginary bird, I am filled with plenty of information of it being depicted all over the world as statues, sculptures, paintings, emblems, decoration on boxes, textile motifs, on wrist watches. Yet, for the sake of brevity, I have shared only a few very important depictions here.

There is an important difference in the way double headed bird is depicted in India and outside India. Outside India, it is mostly depicted as a double headed eagle. In India, the double headed eagle is depicted as Gandaberunda in the following different forms

Human body and double eagle heads example Gandaberunda sculpture in Ulsoor Sri Someshwara temple
As a double headed eagle, example Gandaberunda sculpture in Keladi Rameshwara temple.
Double headed eagle with a body of another bird, example Eagle heads and peacock body as seen in Thanjavur Nandi mandapam paintings
Double headed bird of parrot or peacock or swan

In some depictions, the Gandaberunda is shown lifting elephant, lions, or snakes.

Eagles coexist with us. The possibility of humans born with joint body and two heads is very rare but a reality. Similarly, the possibility of double headed eagle is true yet it reality is very very rare. Might have existed or not.

It is amazing how our sculptors have carved such an imaginary bird especially when the chances of sighting such a bird is very slim. They have also expanded the concept manifold. Kingdoms have adopted it. It is a testimony to our ancient artists for their artistic freedom, creativity, ability to convey a concept through simplified depictions of our ancient artists.

Our genes and further training are responsible for our skills and talents which get passed down through generations as genetic imprint. I would like to believe in this scientific hypothesis and train myself to improve my artistic taste. How about you?

References:

From Wikipedia: Emblem of Karnataka, Gandaberunda, Someshvara I, Nayakas of Keladi, Flag_of_Albania#, Coat of arms of Russia (Emblem of Russia), Double-headed eagle

Bherundeshvara Pillar - https://puratattva.in/balligavi-communal-harmony-exemplified-part-4/

https://karnatakatourism.org/keladi-rameshwara-temple/

Aavudaiyar Koil Gandaberunda Paintings

Gandaberunda in Hoysala period coins

Gandaberunda in Viyayanagara period coin

https://starofmysore.com/order-of-the-gandaberunda/

Evoultion of Russian Emblem

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hittites

https://www.hittitemonuments.com/alacahoyuk/

Video - Hittites - Double headed bird sculpture from 6.05min onwards

https://www.jeyamohan.in/124517/ - Kudopi Geoglyphs

https://youtu.be/Neh9JwZb5cE?si=u1i2o-nKoS8u3m9I&t=337 - Gandaberunda rock painting, Arasikere Taluk