Madanika; a sculpture of a woman, displaying stylized feminine features. They are usually in various poses, such as dancing, grooming herself or playing a musical instrument.

Ever since I had noticed them a couple of them in the pictures I had taken during the visit to the stunning Chennakesava temple at Belur (read here), and came to know that there are 42 of them adorning the temple, I just had to go back to see them. Such was the beauty and details in these sculptures. Remember that they were carved in stone! And go back I did; my wife and I made a trip to the temple in May for seeing them.

I am going to cover all the 42 Madanikas over a 4-part post series. This is the first one of the series. For each of the Madanikas, I will be giving a title for each of them and a short description. The titles have been inspired by a field guide that I had bought while visiting the region.

1. Beauty and Mirror (Darpana Sundari)

A lady admiring her beauty in a mirror held in her hand. You can also see her maids flanking her two sides.

2. Pet Parrot

A lady in conversation with her pet parrot

3. Lady with Betel Leaves

A lady holding folded betel leaves. The handmaiden on her right is carry a vessel filled with water and the handmaiden on the left is filling a syringe.

4. Lady in her Make-up

A lady dressed up and her helping maids standing besides her.

5. Monkey Pulling Saree

A mischievous monkey pulling saree of a lady. It is snarling at the lady who is threatening it with a twig.

6. The Huntress

A lady aiming her arrow at a bird

7. Hair Dressing

A lady dressing her hair after bath. The attendants are seen holding flowers and toiletry

8. Thribhangi Nritya

A lady performing the difficult Thribhangi Nritya, involving three poses o the body at the same time

9. A Sham She Saint

A lady disguised as a saint. I guess it was unusual to have female saints.

10. Drum Dance

A lady playing a drum

Here is the next part of the series.