BHUBANESWAR: The state government and Archaeological Survey of India have issued several directions regarding preservation of the ‘Lonely Lady’ at Konark Temple.
The temple, also known as ‘Black Pagoda’, is one of the most popular tourist destinations of the state. The temple houses multiple erotic sculptures in its walls which stimulates a sense of curiosity in visitors.
These sculptures (maithunas) show couples in various stages of courtship and intimacy. Some historians see the depiction of various aspects of human life as well as deities as part of the ‘Tantra’ tradition.
One such sculpture is that of the ‘Lonely Lady’. The sculpture depicts the ‘Chitra Gatha’ of the temple. Speaking about the sculpture, Rabindranath Tagore had said, “Here, the language of stone surpasses the language of man.” Speaking to Orissa Post, historian Anil Dhir said, “Although Konark has lost many facets of its architecture, the Archaeological Department is doing its best to preserve this statue among many others.”
It’s worth mentioning here that the state government and ASI has directed the authorities not to replace laterite stones with lime stones, which was a regular practice to save the sculptures.
Dhir has written before that the sculptures are based on Astha (eight) Nayikas: Vasakasajja Nayika, Virahotkanthita Nayika, Svadhinabhartruka Nayika, Kalahantarita Nayika, Khandita Nayika, Vipralabdha Nayika, Proshitabhartruka Nayika and Abhisarika Nayika. The classification first appeared in the Natya Shastra, a key Sanskrit thesis on Indian performing arts, authored by Bharata (circa 2nd BC to 2nd AD).
The eight nayikas represent eight different states (avastha) in liaison to her man or Nayaka. As typical states of the romantic heroine, it has been used as subject in Indian literature, sculpture, painting, as well as Indian classical dance.
Dhir said, “The monument requires special care as these statues can’t be build up again if they are broken as each of the statues is made of up a single large stone. Nowadays such stones are not available and replicating them would be a big issue both for Odisha Government and Archaeological team.”
Tour guide Basanta Sahu said, “The ‘Lonely Lady’ is a huge attraction at the temple. After Dhir’s classification, temple authorities are planning to safeguard such statues with utmost care. After all, these statues are the face of our state tourism.”