Makara
By Swami Harshananda
Makara literally means ‘that which harms human beings’.
Contents
Makara, a Myth
Makara is a mythological sea-monster. It is generally represented with the tail of a fish and the trunk of an elephant. Since its representation is seen even in the Bārhut stupa (1st century B. C.) in Madhya Pradesh, it can be taken as an ancient symbol.
Makara, Iconographically
In iconographical works, it is often shown as the mount or vehicle of the river-goddess Gaṅgā. In some sculptures, makara is shown like a crocodile.
Makara, an Earring
Viṣṇu is often shown as wearing kuṇḍalas (ear-rings) shaped like a makara. Hence he is called ‘Makarakundaladhara’, ‘the wearer of ear-rings shaped as a makara’. Sometimes Śiva is also shown as wearing it, but only on one of the ears. The other ear has patra or a leaf as the ornament.
Makara, a Zodiac Sign
The tenth rāśi or zodiacal sign is also known as Makara.
References
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore
