Gandaberunda

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Left: Gandaberunda as roof sculpture, Rameshwara temple, Keladi. Right: Decorative motif in the ceiling of Brihadeeswarar temple

The Gandaberunda or Berunda (Kannada: ಗಂಡಭೇರುಂಡ gaṇḍabheruṇḍa), or Bheruṇḍa (Sanskrit: भेरुण्ड, lit. terrible) is a two-headed bird in Hindu mythology, believed to possess immense magical strength. It is a form of Vishnu to fight Sharabha, a form of Shiva created to pacify and calm down Vishnu's lion-man Narasimha avatar.

It was the emblem of the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore under the Wodeyar kings, and after India attained independence, it was retained by Mysore state as its emblem. That state was enlarged in 1956 and renamed Karnataka in 1973, and the Gandabherunda continues to be the official state emblem of Karnataka. It is used as the official emblem of the Karnataka state government because it is a symbol of strength. It is believed to be capable of fighting the forces of destruction. It appears as an intricately carved sculpture motif in Hindu temples.[1]

Depiction[edit]

The bird is generally depicted as clutching elephants in its talons and beaks, demonstrating its immense strength. In a coin [Kasu] found in Madurai, it is shown holding a snake in its beak.[2] All 2-dimensional depictions show a symmetrical image similar to the Double-headed eagle while other images show the long tail feathers resembling a peacock. In the Chennakeshava temple of Belur, Karnataka, Gandaberunda, the two faced bird is carved as a scene of "chain of destruction" result in destruction of Universe.[3] The Gandaberunda was later identified as a physical form displayed by Narasimha, Man-Lion avatar of Vishnu. It's mentioned by several Hindu scriptures.

Vishnu as Gandabherunda slaying Hiranyakashipu and Sharabha (Shiva)

After Narasimha had slain the demon Hiranyakashipu. He drank the demon's blood yet his anger did not subside. The gods (devas) fearing that he will destroy the cosmos in his fury, asked the god Shiva for help. In order to protect the entire creation, Shiva sent his Virabhadra form to ask Narasimha to cool down, but Narasimha ignored this appeal. So Shiva incarnated as Sharabha or Sharabheswaramurti, a part-lion and part-bird beast which outclassed Narasimha both in structure and power. Then, Sharabha held Narasimha and began carrying him high up in the sky, during which Narasimha created a two-headed Eagle - Gandaberunda. Sharabha took Narasimha to the highest altitude and was about to toss him.

lord Sharabha holding lord Narasimha high above skies

At this time, Narasimha snapped out of his fury and became calm. Narasimha was pacified by Sharabha. But when Sharabha did not control his ferocity, then lord Vishnu took avatar of Gandaberunda and fought with Sharabha. By seeing Gandaberunda,s high energy and ferosity , Sharabha trembled with fear and asked for forgiveness. Sharabha was finally tamed by Gandaberunda.

Usage[edit]

A sculpture depicting a Gandaberunda is found on the roof of the Rameshwara temple in the temple town of Keladi in Shimoga District, the capital of the Keladi Nayakas. The Gandaberunda was also used by the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore as the Royal emblem. The Karnataka Government adopted this symbol as the state symbol and can be found on bus terminals and tickets issued by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation. Coins(Gold pagoda or gadyana) from the rule of Achyuta Deva Raya are thought to be the first to use the Gandaberunda on currency.[4] The crest of the Indian navy ship INS Mysore (D60) features a Gandaberunda.

Emblem[edit]

Gandaberunda is the official emblem of Karnataka state government. It was the royal insignia of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom. The Deccan Herald wrote, "When Dasara completed four hundred years this year, another major feature associated with Mysore kingdom, the royal insignia Gandaberunda quietly celebrated 500th year.

The City Herald tried to dig into the roots of the Gandaberunda and stumbled upon some exciting stories associated with it. The Gandaberunda is an imaginary two headed bird. Even five centuries after its first usage in the mints for making coins during the period of Vijayanagar empire around 1510, the Gandaberunda is still flying high as the symbol of seat of power of Karnataka - the official insignia of State.

Though the 400th year of Dasara (which was tipped for the most grand celebrations), did not live up to its expectations, the 500th year of adoption of Gandaberunda received a floral celebration, with a 10 foot flower model of the imaginary bird put on display at the Dasara flower show.

Historian Professor P V Nanjaraje Urs -- who has widely researched Mysore State -- tells that the Gandaberunda was first used as a sign on coins in Vijayanagar mints, many of which still exist. Since then, the tradition passed on to generations. In mid-16th century, legend says that Yaduraya embarked on a Vijaya Yathra across the Mysore State to consolidate their rank. During the Yathra, an ascetic encountered and gave him a red cloth. The King offered pooja to it and accepted it as a blessing. He won all acclaim thereafter."

Following his stature raising to new heights, he announced red cloth as Rajdhwaja or State flag. To add the principles of dharma and satya, the flag got a slogan as "Sathymevodhbhavaramyaham" with imaginary bird Gandaberunda. The bird was surrounded by elephant headed lion on two sides and a lion carrying Mahishasura’s head on the top.

Bengaluru FC, a football club based in Bangalore, has a Gandaberunda in the club crest. Kannada Vedike Cultural Club of National Institute of Technology Karnataka Uses Gandaberunda in their official club logo.

Historically it has been used in the crests and official seals of the:

  1. Chalukyas
  2. Chagis
  3. Kota Kings (Dharanikota Kings)
  4. Hoysalas
  5. Keladi Chiefs
  6. Kadambas
  7. Nandyalas (Vijayanagara Empire)
  8. Gobburis (Vijayanagara Empire)
  9. Wodeyars of Mysore
  10. Nayakas[5]
  • Gallery of images showing Gandaberunda from the Mysuru Palace of the Wodeyar dynasty
  • Painting of Gandaberunda on glass window of Mysuru Palace

    Painting of Gandaberunda on glass window of Mysuru Palace

  • Ornate wooden carving of the Gandaberunda at Mysuru Palace

    Ornate wooden carving of the Gandaberunda at Mysuru Palace

  • Gandaberunda depicted on the roof of Mysuru Palace

    Gandaberunda depicted on the roof of Mysuru Palace

In media[edit]

Ganda Berunda is a Kannada film directed by S. V. Rajendrasingh Babu and produced by Vajramuni. The playwright of the movie was the celebrated writer, late H V Subba Rao. The film was released in the year 1984. The music was composed by Sathyam. Bollywood actor Amrish Puri played the antagonist in the film.

  • The Gandaberunda emblem in the Mysore Palace.

    The Gandaberunda emblem in the Mysore Palace.

  • Gandaberunda image seen at Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Mysore

    Gandaberunda image seen at Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Mysore

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ↑ "Mystical Bird Gandaberunda". Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  2. ↑ Ganesh Coins of Tamilnadu, 13.48
  3. ↑ "Kamat's Potpourri: Amma's Column - Gandaberunda- The Two Headed Bird". 2014-02-02. Archived from the original on 2014-02-02. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
  4. ↑ "The COININDIA Coin Galleries: Vijayanagar". coinindia.com. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
  5. ↑ "The COININDIA Coin Galleries: Vijayanagar". coinindia.com. Retrieved 2021-06-23.

1.Brahma took the avatar of Gandaberunda & not vishnu[clarification needed]

External links[edit]

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