Sphinxes in Indian Art and Tradition
>> Sphinxes in Indian Art and Tradition <<
by Raja Deekshithar
July 31, 2009
(click on small images for large images with captions)
The sphinx is a mysterious composite being from ancient mythology with the body of a lion and the head of a human being. It represents secret wisdom and guards sacred places. It was through my growing interest in the traditions and mythologies from other parts of the world that I realized one day these creatures were the Indian parallels of/to the Egyptian and Greek mythological beings known as sphinx.
The initial realization of the parallel between the sphinx and the purushamriga eventually led me to the discovery of many other sphinxes in the Indian civilization, and even in South East Asia. I researched their role, their function, and their history. Eventually I shared my discovery with the world through publications and through my website.
Many times I was asked about the symbolic meaning of the sphinx. My answer to this question is that I see the sphinx as a symbol of human evolution and devolution. The human soul is on a quest for higher realization, but is also in danger of sliding back into animal nature. The animal aspires to a higher form of existence. This process can be depicted as a Möbius strip. In the Möbius strip we see a continuous one-dimensional plane expressing the continuous/never ending evolution and devolution of the cosmos. When we draw a line in the centre of the strip it will eventually reach its own beginning.
In the sphinx evolution and devolution meet one another, as in the Möbius strip. The animal aspires to higher consciousness and attainment. The human being receives the strength and courage of the animal nature. The lion represents symbolically the king of all animals, sovereignty and strength. The human being symbolizes consciousness, self realization and knowledge.
The animal aspires towards consciousness and self realization. The human being is always in danger of sliding back towards animal nature. But when they come together with the lower body of a lion and the head of a human, both rise above their own limitations and become a being which is greater then the sum of its parts, an image and symbol of realization, wisdom and strength, the sphinx.
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