NydiaSilverman2 at 11:41, 13 January 2025

2025-01-13T11:41:36Z

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[[File:Vishnu Kumartuli Park Sarbojanin Arnab Dutta 2010.JPG|thumb|Statue of Vishnu carrying the Kaumodaki in his lower left arm]]
{{Short description|Mace of the Hindu god Vishnu}}
{{good article}}

'''Kaumodaki''' ({{Langx|sa|कौमोदकी|lit=captivator of the mind|translit=Kaumodakī}})<ref>{{Cite book |last=Knapp |first=Stephen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eIqyv8A9XBAC&dq=kaumodaki+meaning+mind&pg=PT65 |title=Hindu Gods & Goddesses |date=2012 |publisher=Jaico Publishing House |isbn=978-81-8495-366-4 |pages=65 |language=en}}</ref> is the [[Gada (mace)|gadā]] (mace) of the [[Hindu god|Hindu deity]] [[Vishnu]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2015-08-01 |title=Kaumodaki, Kaumodakī: 12 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/kaumodaki#purana |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> Vishnu is often depicted holding the Kaumodaki in one of his four hands; his other attributes are the [[Sudarshana Chakra|chakra]], the [[Panchajanya|conch]] and the [[Padma (Vishnu)|lotus]]. The ''gada'' is also found in the iconography of some of Vishnu's [[avatar]]s.

The name, 'Kaumodak' first appears in the [[Hindu epic]] ''[[Mahabharata]]'', where it is associated with Vishnu's avatar, [[Krishna]]. The ''gada'' is depicted in images of Vishnu since {{c.|200 BCE}}. While initially unadorned, the size and shape of Kaumodaki vary in depictions. More elaborate design features like [[Fluting (architecture)|flutes]] and segments were added in depictions of Vishnu's ''gada''.

Though the weapon may be depicted as an inanimate ''gada'', Kaumodaki sometimes appears personified as a woman known as '''Gadadevi''' or '''Gadanari''' in sculptures of Vishnu. In depictions that use this version, Vishnu rests one of his hands on her head, while she herself holds the ''gada'', is seen emerging from it or has the ''gada'' carved on her head/crown.

The ''gada'', regarded as one of the oldest and strongest weapons, is a symbol of Vishnu's [[shakti]]. Various texts discuss the symbolism of Kaumodaki in Vishnu's iconography.

==Etymology==
The etymology of, 'Kaumodaki' is unclear. According to a popular etymology, Kaumodaki derives its name from the [[Sanskrit]] word ''kumuda'', the blue water-lily or the blue lotus (''[[Nymphaea nouchali]]'').<ref name="Krishna2009"/><ref name="Gonda1993"/> Another theory suggests that the mace may derive its name from the epithet of Vishnu, ''Kumodaka'' or vice versa. The literal synonym of Kaumodaki, ''kaumudi'' is interpreted as "joy on the earth".<ref name="Gonda1993"/> Based on the ''[[Vishnu Purana]]'', [[Alain Daniélou]] translates Kaumodaki as "stupefier of the mind".<ref name="Daniélou1991">{{cite book|author=Alain Daniélou|author-link=Alain Daniélou|title=The Myths and Gods of India: The Classic Work on Hindu Polytheism from the Princeton Bollingen Series|date=1991|publisher=Inner Traditions / Bear & Co|isbn=978-1-59477-733-2|pages=156–7}}</ref>

==Iconography==
[[File:Four-armed Seated Vishnu in Meditation - Mediaeval Period - Pannapur - ACCN 14-379 - Government Museum - Mathura 2013-02-23 5275.JPG|thumb|Kaumodaki in the right upper hand of a seated Vishnu, medieval sculpture currently in [[Mathura museum]]]]

Vishnu is usually depicted as [[Chaturbhuja|four-armed]] with the four attributes in his hands: the [[Panchajanya]], the [[Sudarshana chakra|Sudarshana Chakra]], the [[Padma (Vishnu)|Padma]] and the Kaumodaki.<ref name="Krishna2009"/> A popular epithet of Vishnu is ''Shankha-chakra-gada-pani'', "he who holds in his hands shankha, chakra, and gada".<ref name="Dikshitar1999">{{cite book|author=V. R. Ramachandra Dikshitar|title=War in Ancient India|year=1999|publisher=Cosmo|isbn=978-81-7020-894-5|pages=146–7}}</ref> Generally, the gada is held in the lower (natural) left hand of Vishnu in contemporary images. The gada sometimes also appears in the depictions of Vishnu's avatars [[Matsya]], [[Kurma]], [[Varaha]] and [[Narasimha]].

The ''gada'' appears as an attribute in the oldest known sculpture of Vishnu (from [[Malhar, Chhattisgarh]]), dated to c. 200 BCE.<ref name="Krishna2009"/> One of the earliest images of Vishnu date to the [[Kushan Empire|Kushan]] period (30–375 CE) found around [[Mathura]], the ''gada'' does not appear in a stylised design as in later depictions, but the mace is a simple "round top-heavy rod" held in his upper (back) right hand and lifted above the shoulders.<ref name="Desai8">Desai p. 8</ref> In another Kushan sculpture, the ''gada'' is depicted as a long rod which is almost the height of Vishnu and is held in his upper right hand. It is depicted similar to a long [[Mortar and pestle|pestle]] (''musala'').<ref name="Sivaramamurti135">Sivaramamurti p. 135</ref> A similar image found in [[Jhusi]] as well as early images from Western India depict Vishnu resting his upper right hand on the mace or holding the mace in this hand.<ref name="Desai8"/> Gupta images continue the trend of having upper (back) right hand resting on or holding the ''gada''.<ref name="Desai9">Desai p. 9</ref> The ''gada'' started being depicted in other arms. Twenty-four configurations of Vishnu images are noted, where the order of the four attributes is changed.<ref>Desai pp. 10–14</ref>

While the hand holding the ''gada'' changed, the design of the weapon transformed too. In late medieval art, especially [[Pala Empire|Pala]] (8th–12th century CE), the size of the handle of the ''gada'' is reduced to a flute, while the top takes a highly decorated round form. In [[Uttar Pradesh]], the handle is tapered and expands at the top; sphere on the top also depicted with [[Fluting (architecture)|flutes]]. The [[Chalukya]]n ''gada'' is thick and "barrel"-shaped, while the [[Pallava]] ''gada'' is depicted thick throughout. The [[Chola]]s carve Kaumodaki thinner, but is ridged and segmented.<ref name="Sivaramamurti135"/>

[[File:Vishnu's Personified Club LACMA M.87.62.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Kaumodaki as Gadadevi, personified as a woman]]
The ''[[Vishnudharmottara Purana]]'' describes the iconography of Vishnu. While the lotus and ''shankha'' are held in the upper hands, the lower hands rest on two dwarf figures: the personified ''gada'' and chakra. The ''gada'' personified as a slim-waisted woman, holds a [[fly-whisk]] (chamara or chowry) in her hands and is adorned with ornaments, with Vishnu's right hand resting on her head; chakra stands as a man on Vishnu's left.<ref name="Rao289ff">Rao pp. 289–90</ref><ref>Desai pp. 6–7</ref> The personified weapons known as ''[[Ayudhapurusha]]'' emerge in [[Gupta Empire|Gupta era]] (320–550 CE) sculptures. The personified Kaumodaki is also known as Gada-Devi (the suffix ''[[devi]]'' means goddess) or Gada-nari ("gada-woman"). Since the [[Sanskrit]] word ''gada'' is feminine, ''gada'' is regarded as a woman.<ref name="Pal">{{cite book|title=Indian Sculpture: 700–1800|url=https://archive.org/details/indiansculpturec00losa|url-access=registration|year=1988|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-06477-5|pages= [https://archive.org/details/indiansculpturec00losa/page/53 53], 78|author=Pratapaditya Pal}}</ref> A Gupta Vishnu in [[Udayagiri Caves]] depicts Vishnu accompanied by Gadadevi and the personified chakra.<ref name="Desai9"/> Gadadevi often appears in Vishnu images from [[Kashmir]], including Vishnu's four-headed form [[Vaikuntha Chaturmurti]]. She holds a ''chamara'' and looks in adoration towards her master, whose hand rests on her head. She wears a crown or has an elaborate hairstyle. Apart from a lower garment, she might wear a blouse or have a bare torso. She is depicted emerging from the ''gada''.<ref name="Pal"/>

Gadadevi may be depicted as a dwarf or as a normal human as in the ''Sheshashayi Vishnu'' panel of the Gupta [[Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh|Deogarh]] temple. She is depicted holding the gada.<ref>C. Sivaramamurti pp. 128–9</ref> The motif of Kaumodaki holding the gada is mostly found in Uttar Pradesh and [[Bengal]] art.<ref name="anna"/><ref name = "Rao288ff"/><ref name="Sivaramamurti130ff"/> In another variation, Kaumodaki stands besides Vishnu with folded hands (in [[anjali mudra]] posture) with the gada depicted on the head as part of the crown or the weapon mark on her forehead, as in Chola era bronzes of the gada.<ref name="anna">Anna L. Dallapiccola, [http://www.credoreference.com/entry/thhll/ayudhapurusha_or_shastradevata ayudhapurusha or shastradevata]. (2002). In ''Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend, Thames & Hudson''.</ref><ref name = "Rao288ff">Rao pp. 288–9</ref><ref name="Sivaramamurti130ff">C. Sivaramamurti pp. 130–1</ref>
{{clear}}

==Development and symbolism==
[[File:MET DP323567 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Vishnu holds the Kaumodaki in his lower right hand; 5th century.]]
The mace or club is one of the oldest types of weapons.<ref name="Krishna2009"/> The popularity of the weapons with Vishnu worshippers may have led to its depiction with the deity. The [[Gada (mace)|gada]] – a symbol of strength – was a common weapon for hand-to-hand combat and was regarded as the strongest of weapons. Vishnu's attributes originate from his [[avatar]]s, [[Rama]] and [[Krishna]], the heroes of the ancient [[Hindu epic]]s ''[[Ramayana]]'' and ''[[Mahabharata]]'' (existing in the 5th to 4th century BCE) respectively. Both the epics narrate various characters – gods, men and demons alike – using the ''gada''.<ref name="Krishna2009"/><ref>Desai p. 6</ref>

In the philosophical meaning expounded by the Vishnu-worshipping [[Vaishnava]] sect, Kaumodaki symbolizes "the intellect, the power of knowledge and the power of time".<ref name="Krishna2009"/> While explaining the symbolism of four attributes in Vishnu's hands, the ''[[Gopala Tapani Upanishad]]'' says that the ''gada'' – which represents primordial knowledge – is held in the lower left hand, which denotes "individual existence".<ref name="Chandra1998">{{cite book|author=Suresh Chandra|title=Encyclopaedia of Hindu Gods and Goddesses|year=1998|publisher=Sarup & Sons|isbn=978-81-7625-039-9|pages=363–4}}</ref> The ''Vishnu Purana'' calls the gada the power of knowledge. Kaumodaki is said to "intoxicate" the mind.<ref name="Daniélou1991"/>

According to the ''Vishnudharmottara Purana'', Kaumodaki represents Vishnu's wife [[Lakshmi]], the goddess of wealth and beauty.<ref name="Pal" /> The ''[[Krishna Upanishad]]'' equates the ''gada'' to the goddess [[Kali]], "the power of time". The text further says that like the invincible Time, the mace is the destroyer of all opponents.<ref name="Krishna2009"/><ref name="Daniélou1991"/>

Another interpretation suggests that the Kaumodaki symbolizes the life-force (''[[prana]]'') from which all "physical and mental powers" arise.<ref name="Daniélou1991"/><ref name="Chandra1998"/> Vishnu's gada also stands for discipline, complemented by his lotus, that denotes praise. While the lotus and shankha in his hands are water symbols representing life and love, the gada and the chakra are fire symbols denoting pain and destruction and command adherence to the rules of society and nature.<ref name="Pattanaik2011">{{cite book|author=Devdutt Pattanaik|title=Seven secrets of Vishnu|year=2011|publisher=Westland|isbn=978-93-80658-68-1|pages=70, 210–1}}</ref> The ''[[Varaha Purana]]'' says the gada is to teach a lesson to irreligious rulers.<ref name="Dikshitar1999"/> Vishnu is also said to clear [[Maya (illusion)|illusion]] by his gada.<ref name="Pal" />

==Literature==
[[File:Lakshmi Deogarh Dasavatara Temple.jpg|left|thumb|upright|Kaumodaki personified as a woman stands with a ''gada'' (left, standing) with Chakra-man (right), while goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu's wife, seated presses his feet.]]
In the ''Mahabharata'', Kaumodaki is described to sound like the lightning and was capable of slaying many [[daitya]]s (demons). It is granted to Vishnu-Krishna by [[Varuna]], the god of the seas.<ref name="Krishna2009">{{cite book|author=Nanditha Krishna|title=The Book of Vishnu|date=2009|publisher=Penguin Books India|isbn=978-0-14-306762-7|pages=17–9, 25–6}}</ref><ref name="Gonda1993">{{cite book|author=Jan Gonda|title=Aspects of Early Visnuism|date=1 January 1993|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn=978-81-208-1087-7|page=99}}</ref> The [[Pandava]] princes were given the [[Khandava Forest]] to build their kingdom. The fire-god [[Agni]] wanted to "eat" the forest to cure his indigestion. He asked the Pandava [[Arjuna]] and his friend Krishna to aid him, as he feared the king of the gods and protector of the forest, [[Indra]], will interfere. Arjuna and Krishna agreed and were given celestial weapons by Varuna. Krishna was given the [[Sudarshana Chakra]] and Kaumodaki gada, while Arjuna got the bow [[Gandiva]] and various [[divine arrows]]. The duo defeat Indra and Agni burns down the forest, pacing way for the establishment of the Pandava capital [[Indraprastha]].<ref name="mani">{{cite book | last = Mani | first = Vettam | title = Puranic Encyclopaedia: a Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature | url = https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft | publisher = Motilal Banarsidass Publishers | year = 1975  | isbn = 978-0-8426-0822-0 | author-link = Vettam Mani |page = [https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/page/409 409]}}</ref>

The ''Mahabharata'' describes Vishnu holding a ''gada'' and a chakra, possibly indicating two-armed images of Vishnu.<ref>Desai p. 7</ref> The ''Mahabharata'' also records at the time of the chakra-musala war, Krishna's Kaumodaki along with other weapons appear in human form from the heavens to watch the battle.<ref name = "varadpande"/> The ''[[Harivamsa]]'', an appendix to the ''Mahabharata'' describes four of Vishnu's weapons fall from the heavens to aid Krishna and his brother [[Balarama]] in his battle against [[Jarasandha]]. Balarama uses the plough and the club called ''Saunanda''; while Krishna battles with Kaumodaki and the bow [[Sharanga (Hindu mythology)|Sharanga]].<ref name="Matchett2013">{{cite book|author=Freda Matchett|title=Krsna: Lord or Avatara?: The Relationship Between Krsna and Visnu|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HJP_ktuIZWcC&pg=PA59|date=11 January 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-11842-5|pages=58–9}}</ref>

The ''Duta-Vakya'' ("envoy's message") of the Sanskrit playwright [[Bhasa]] (c. 2nd century BCE – 2nd century CE) describes an episode from the ''Mahabharata'' when Krishna depicts his ''[[Vishvarupa]]'' (all pervading "Universal form") in the [[Hastinapur|Hastinapura]] court and summons his weapons, who appear as humans, including the Kaumodaki. The ''[[Raghuvamsa]]'' of [[Kalidasa]] mentions dwarf-like ayudhapurushas including Vishnu's mace.<ref name = "varadpande">{{cite book|last=Varadpande|first=Manohar Laxman |title=History of Indian theatre|year=2005|pages=48–9|isbn=81-7017-430-9|publisher = Abhinav Publications}}</ref>

In the [[Garuda Purana]], the Kaumodaki is mentioned in the Vishnu Panjaram:<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2015-04-12 |title=The prayer of Vishnu Panjaram [Chapter XIII] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-garuda-purana-dutt/d/doc122487.html |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>
{{Blockquote|text=Take up thy club Kaumodaki, O lotus-navelled deity, salutation unto thee.|title=[[Garuda Purana]]|source=Chapter 13}}{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==References==
* {{cite book|author=Dr. Kalpana Desai|title=Iconography of Visnu|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4M90AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA153|date=31 December 2013|publisher=Abhinav Publications|id=GGKEY:GSELHU3JH6D}}
* {{cite book|last=Rao|first=T. A. Gopinatha|title=Elements of Hindu iconography |volume=1: Part I|year=1914|publisher=Law Printing House|location=Madras}}
* {{cite journal|last1=C. Sivaramamurti|author-link=C. Sivaramamurti|year=1955|title=The Weapons of Vishṇu|journal=[[Artibus Asiae]]|publisher=Artibus Asiae publishers|volume=18|issue=2|pages=128–136|jstor=3248789|doi=10.2307/3248789|first1=C.}}
{{Vaishnava philosophy}}
[[Category:Weapons of Vishnu]]
[[Category:Maces (bludgeons)]]
[[Category:Vaishnavism]]
[[Category:Vishnu]]

Kaumodaki - Revision history

NydiaSilverman2 at 11:41, 13 January 2025