Saura Pitha (Symbol of Astronomical Concepts)

Keywords: Saura Pitha,
Science of Astronomy,
Culture and Religion,
Worship

Publisher: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai, India.

Description: Historical Significance :- The Saura Pitha is an example of the science of astronomy in India which was an area of study from the ancient period. It shows the knowledge of the solar system and the constellations that the Indians had gained. It also points toward the continuity of the Indian civilization as the signs of the constellations which have been made on it are still used in India without any change. Similar Saura Pitha images are in the collection of Gwalior Museum and Hyderabad Museum, which means that such sundials were used in various parts of the country. The use of sundials for time-keeping reached its pinnacle in the construction of the five sundials called the Jantar Mantar in the 18th century, with the one in Jaipur giving the local time to an accuracy of 2 seconds and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cultural Significance :- The Saura Pitha signifies how science was merged with culture and religion in India. Scientifically the Saura Pitha kept time and provided directions. The rising and setting of the sun provided directions and its revolution through various radical signs determined the time of the day. Both the correct direction and the right time were computed by drawing a circle on plain ground with a gnomon fixed in the center of the circle. The shadow of the gnomon would move proportionately with the movement of the sun and would, therefore, indicate the time. Culturally, the figures of the planets (Navagraha), made on the Saura Pitha are worshipped in India on all special occasions. It was believed that planets have effects on human beings and thus each of them were made into idols and were worshipped to propitiate them, a practice which is still found prevalent in India.

Artistic Significance :- The sculpture has been carved with masterly skill and precision. The Pitha is divided into three levels: a square base, an octagonal structure in the middle and on the top there is a circular panel which has a carved circle or chart made of lotus petals, symbolising the sun. The top circle has sixteen equidistant segments pointing to sixteen directions. Around the circle are carved the figures of the twelve constellations through which the sun makes its sojourn in one complete day of twenty-four hours. The depiction of Makara (Capricorn) however, looks more like an elephant instead of an aquatic animal. Similarly, the artist has carved the pitcher for Kumbha (Aquarius) as from an aerial view and hence it is represented as a circle with the mouth of the pitcher in the center. The seven horses of the sun's chariot, placed on the bottom square, carry him towards the west. Lords of each direction are placed on the middle octagon. Thus lndra and Varuna are in the east and the west, Kubera and Yama to the north and the south, lshana and Vayu to the north-east and north-west and Agni and Nirrti in the south-east and south-west, respectively. These make up the eight principal directions at a distance of 45 degrees each in the chart.

Source: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai

Type: Sculpture

Received From: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai