 Reference Base  Sacred and symbolic animals of Nepal: animals in the art,... |
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Majupuria, T.C., 1977. Sacred and symbolic animals of Nepal: animals in the art, culture, myths and legends of the Hindus and Buddhists. Kathmandu, Sahayogi Prakashan, pp. i-ii, i-vi, 1-216
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| Location: |
Asia - South Asia - India |
| Subject: |
Culture - Countries |
| Species: |
All Rhino Species |
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These animals are also modelled and carved out with great accuracy in the wood-works and sculptures. Ancient Hindus treated them as highly sacred. Some books describe that these animals have no significance. But this view is completely wrong.
Unicorn Rhinoceros has been frequently depicted on the seales of the Indus Valley Civilization. In some paintings, mangers have been shown before them, which suggests that rhinoceroses were also among the domesticated animals of the Indus basin. Although it is a wild animal, it can be nicely tamed in the surroundings of human population. In some seals, folds of skin patted to simulate horny bosses have been shown.
Horns of rhinos are of great medicinal value. The cups made from the horns of Rhinoceros have the capacity of revealing the presence of poison, mixed in a drink or food.
Unicorn rhinoceroses were common during the protohistoric period in the Oriental region. Therefore, it exerted a great impact on the artisan's mind. On the stepped flanks of the gate of a Bhaktapur temple, Rhinoceroses are beautifully represented by the mansons. In some places they are used for decoration purposes but any specific significance is not attached to them by the Hindus and the Buddhists. It is not the vehicle of any god or goddess in either of these religion. [shown in drawing]
Some authors describe that Ekashringa Varah, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was actually the rhino and not the boar. The habits and habitat of rhino and boar are almost similar. Rhinos wallow in the mud and dig earth like a boar. However, it is a controversial point so far.
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