Vishnu Symbolism in Shri Krishna^s Imagery: Comparative Study of Kresnayana Reliefs on Prambanan, Panataran, and Kedaton Temple Waridah Muthi^ah (a*), Agus Sachari (b)
a,b) Faculty of Arts and Design, Institut Teknologi Bandung
Jalan Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
*waridah.muthiah[at]students.itb.ac.id
Abstract
As a widely-known figure from Mahabharata and Kresnayana saga, life story of Shri Krishna was often carved in temple reliefs as a mean to teach heroism and morality values. In regard of his status as Lord Vishnu^s avatar, Krishna was traditionally portrayed with symbolism attached to the god, as regulated in canonical scriptures such as Silpasastra and Manasara. Nevertheless, his portrayal in reliefs was transformed from time to time. This research is focused to study the symbolism of Vishnu in Krishna^s imagery on three reliefs in Indonesia: Vishnu Temple in Prambanan Complex, Main Temple in Panataran Complex, and Kedaton Temple, by comparing symbols in Krishna^s attire (bhusana) and attributes (laksana). In analyzing the transformation of Vishnu^s symbolism in Krishna^s imagery, this research is conducted using descriptive and comparative method with iconography and historical approach. This research posed as a preliminary study in mapping the transformation of Hindu iconography in relevance with the socio-cultural aspect in society. It is assumed that the flourished depiction of Kresnayana in East Java^s temples are occurred due to the widespread influence of Vaishnava sect, originated from South Asia in the 11th century CE. In East Java temples, Krishna was not only portrayed as Vishnu avatar, but also as the manifestation of the King himself, who was act as the representation of Vishnu in microcosm level. The syncretism between Vaishnava and Shivaism that flourished in the Kediri era and culminated in the Majapahit era, supported by the weakening of Indian influences and a strong influence of local beliefs, also affected the visualization of Vishnu^s symbolism in the portrayal of Krishna^s attire and attributes.
