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{{Short description|Hindu mythological creature}}
{{Other uses|Makara (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox mythical creature
|name = Makara
|AKA = 
|image = Makara face at Konark temple 01.jpg
|image_size =
|image_upright =
|caption = Makara at the Konarak temple
|Folklore =
|Grouping = 
|Sub_Grouping = 
|Family = 
|Country = India
|Region = 
|Details = 
|First_Attested = 
|Similar_entities = 
}}
[[File:Ganga Kalighat 1875.jpg|thumb|Makara as the [[Vahana]] (vehicle) of the goddess [[Ganges in Hinduism|Ganga]]]]
'''Makara''' ({{langx|sa|मकर|translit=Makara}}) is a legendary sea-creature in [[Hindu mythology]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-04-12 |title=Makara, Makāra, Mākara, Mākāra: 44 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/makara |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref> In [[Hindu astrology]], Makara is equivalent to the [[Zodiac]] sign [[Capricorn (astrology)|Capricorn]].

Makara appears as the [[vahana]] (vehicle) of the river goddess [[Ganga in Hinduism|Ganga]], [[Narmada#Significance in Hinduism|Narmada]], and of the god of the ocean, [[Varuna]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Darian|first=Steven|date=1976|title=The Other Face of the Makara|journal=Artibus Asiae|volume=38|issue=1|pages=29–36|doi=10.2307/3250095|jstor=3250095|issn=0004-3648}}</ref> Makara are considered guardians of gateways and thresholds, protecting throne rooms as well as entryways to temples; it is the most commonly recurring creature in Hindu and Buddhist [[Hindu temple architecture|temple iconography]], and also frequently appears as a [[gargoyle]] or as a spout attached to a natural spring. Makara-shaped earrings called ''Makarakundalas'' are sometimes worn by Hindu deities, for example [[Shiva]], [[Vishnu]], [[Surya]], and [[Chandi]]. Makara is also the [[Dhvaja|insignia]] of the love god [[Kamadeva]], who has no dedicated temples and is also known as ''Makaradhvaja'', "one whose flag depicts a makara".

==Etymology==
[[File:Varunadeva.jpg|thumb| A crocodile-like Makara as [[Varuna]]'s animal vehicle]]
''Makara'' is a [[Sanskrit]] word which means "sea-animal, crocodile".<ref>{{cite book |author=Apte, V. S. |year=1957 |title=The Practical Sanskrit–English dictionary |edition=Revised and enlarged |location=Poona |publisher=Prasad Prakashan |chapter=मकर |page=1218 |chapter-url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/apte_query.py?qs=%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%83&searchhws=yes}}</ref>

Several German scientists argued that makara is based on the [[dugong]] instead, based on reading of [[Jain Agamas (Digambara)|Jain text]] of Sūryaprajñapti.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Meulenbeld |first=G. J. |year=1974 |title=The Mādhavanidāna and Its Chief Commentary, Chapters 1-10, Parts 1-10 |publisher=Brill |chapter=makara |page=484 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vOoUAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA484 |isbn=978-90-04-03892-9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Van der Geer|first=A. A. E. |year=2008 |title=Animals in Stone: Indian Mammals Sculptured Through Time |publisher=Brill |page=64 |chapter=The missing species, 519. The dugong |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oQ3quxh9gsgC&pg=PR64 |isbn=978-90-04-16819-0}}</ref> The [[South Asian river dolphin]] may also have contributed to the image of the makara.<ref name="Sanskrit">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zUezTfym7CAC&pg=PA771 |title=A Sanskrit-English dictionary: etymologically and philologically arranged |author=Monier Monier-Williams |page=771 |publisher= Motilal Banarsidass Publications |year= 2005 |isbn=9788120831056}}</ref>

==Physical features of makara==

It is generally depicted as half terrestrial animal in the frontal part (stag, deer, or elephant) and half aquatic animal in the hind part (usually of a fish, a dolphin, or a snake, though sometimes a peacock or even a floral tail is depicted). Though Makara may take many different forms throughout Hindu culture, in the modern world, its form is always related to the [[Mugger crocodile|marsh crocodile]] or [[Asian water monitor|water monitor]].

According to an art historian, [[John Boardman (art historian)|John Boardman]], depictions of Makara and [[Chinese Dragon]] might have been influenced by ''[[Cetus (mythology)|Kētos]]'' in [[Greek Mythology]], possibly after contact with [[Silk Road|silk-road]] images of the ''Kētos''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Boardman |first=John |author-link=John Boardman (art historian) |date=2015 |title=The Greeks in Asia |publisher=Thames and Hudson |isbn=978-0500252130}}</ref>

In Sinhalese ancient artwork ''Makara'' is made up of body parts of six or seven animals such as the trunk of the [[elephant]], jaws of the [[crocodile]], ears of the [[mouse]] or [[ape]], extruding teeth of wild [[swine]], the tail plume of the [[peacock]] and feet of the [[lion]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Clough|first=B.|title=Sinhalese English Dictionary|year=1997|publisher=Asian Educational Services|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CmrJwQoPcsgC&pg=RA2-PT163|page=163|isbn=9788120601055}}</ref>

==Iconography==

===Vedic era iconography===

During [[Vedic]] times when [[Indra]] was the god of heaven, Varuna (the Vedic water god) became the God of the [[sea]]s and rode on makara, which was called "the water monster vehicle".<ref name="Beer2003">{{cite book|author=Robert Beer|title=The handbook of Tibetan Buddhist symbols|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-3804Ud9-4IC&pg=PA77|access-date=17 January 2011|date=10 September 2003|publisher=Serindia Publications, Inc.|isbn=978-1-932476-03-3|pages=77–}}</ref><ref name="Williams2003">{{cite book|author=George Mason Williams|title=Handbook of Hindu mythology|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9791576071068|url-access=registration|access-date=17 January 2011|year=2003|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-57607-106-9|pages=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_9791576071068/page/294 294]–}}</ref>

[[File:Celadon Glazed Pottery " Makara-Dragon-Fish-Ewer " Liao Dynasty (907-1125).JPG|thumb|Celadon green-blue glazed pottery ewer, molded as Makara dragon-fish]]

Vishnu's earrings are shown in the form of Makara;<ref name="Rosen2009">{{cite book|author=Brenda Rosen|title=The Mythical Creatures Bible: The Definitive Guide to Legendary Beings|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mI0vKhZXJqwC&pg=PA136|access-date=17 January 2011|date=3 March 2009|publisher=Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.|isbn=978-1-4027-6536-0|pages=136–}}</ref> but ''makarakundala'' can also decorate Shiva's ears.<ref>''The Asian Civilisations Museum A-Z Guide to its Collections''. Singapore: Editions Didier Millet, 2003, p. 300.</ref> Its contemporary usage is as ornaments in the form of bracelets in hollow silver ware inlaid with jewels for eyes and ears, which is given as a wedding gift to the bride. Some traditional account also links the Makara to the [[water monitor]] as both has body parts (example: jaws, meat etc.) which are stated to possess [[aphrodisiac]] properties.<ref name="America1970" />

Makara has been depicted typically as half mammal and half fish. In many temples, the depiction is in the form of half fish or seal with head of an elephant. It is also shown in an abstract, chimeric form with head and jaws of a [[crocodile]], an elephant trunk with scales of fish and a peacock tail. [[Lakshmi]] sitting on a lotus is also a depiction in which she pulls the tongue of the elephant shaped makara is meant to project Lakshmi's image as the goddess of prosperity, wealth and well being.<ref name="Rosen2009" /><ref name="Lenin" /><ref name="America1970" /> It represents a necessary state of chaos before the emergence of a new state of order.<ref name="Rosen2009" />

Makara is also the emblem of [[Kamadeva]], the god of love and desire. [[Kamadeva]] is also known as 'Makara-Ketu' which means "having the makara for an emblem". It is the tenth sign of the [[Zodiac]], called rāśi in Sanskrit, which is equivalent to the zodiacal sign of [[Capricorn (astrology)|Capricorn]] ([[goat]] symbol).<ref name="Beer2003" />

===Middle kingdoms iconography - Pradyuma Makaradhvaja===
{{see also | Middle kingdoms of India }}
[[File:Besnagar Makara pillar capital.jpg|thumb|upright|The Makara, as the one found on a pillar capital at the site of the [[Heliodorus pillar]], is associated with [[Pradyumna]].<ref name="IH222">{{cite book |title=Indian History |date=1988 |publisher=Allied Publishers |isbn=978-81-8424-568-4 |page=A-222 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MazdaWXQFuQC&pg=SL1-PA222 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Mittal Publications">{{cite book |last1=Ayyar |first1=Sulochana |title=Costumes and Ornaments as Depicted in the Sculptures of Gwalior Museum |date=1987 |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-7099-002-4 |page=13 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G9eHPXL6UE0C&pg=PA13 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="VVG81">{{cite journal |last1=Gupta |first1=Vinay K. |title=Vrishnis in Ancient Literature and Art |journal=Indology's Pulse Arts in Context, Doris Meth Srinivasan Festschrift Volume, Eds. Corinna Wessels Mevissen and Gerd Mevissen with Assistance of Vinay Kumar Gupta |date=January 2019 |page=81 |url=https://www.academia.edu/40656540 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="CRA24">{{cite book |last1=Austin |first1=Christopher R. |title=Pradyumna: Lover, Magician, and Scion of the Avatara |date=2019 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-005412-0 |page=24 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GvarDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA24 |language=en}}</ref> 2nd century BCE.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=VIENNOT |first1=Odette |title=Le Makara dans la Décoration des Monuments de l'Inde Ancienne : Positions et Fonctions |journal=Arts Asiatiques |volume=5 |issue=3 |date=1958 |page=184 |jstor=43484068 }}</ref> [[Gwalior Museum]].<ref>Visible in the back of the image entitled "Lion capital – Udayagiri – 5th century": {{cite web |title=Gujari Mahal State Archaeological Museum – Gwalior |url=https://kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com/2019/04/15/gujari-mahal-state-archaeological-museum-gwalior/#jp-carousel-16148 |website=Kevin Standage |language=en |date=15 April 2019}}</ref><ref name="Mittal Publications"/>]]

From the 2nd century BCE, the ''Makara'' appears to have been the symbol of [[Pradyumna]], son of [[Vāsudeva Krishna]]. One of the epithets of [[Pradyumna]] in literature, such as in [[Harivamsa]] 99, is "Makaradhvaja", meaning "he whose banner or standard is the crocodile".<ref name="CRA65">{{cite book |last1=Austin |first1=Christopher R. |title=Pradyumna: Lover, Magician, and Son of the Avatara |date=2019 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-005411-3 |page=65 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4jCoDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA65 |language=en}}</ref> A pillar capital with the effigy of a ''Makara'' crocodile found at [[Besnagar]] near the [[Heliodorus pillar]] dedicated to [[Vasudeva]], is also attributed to Pradyumna.<ref name="CRA65"/> In the ''[[Mahabharata]]'' too, the Makara is associated with Krishna's son and [[Kamadeva]], the God of Love, suggesting they are identical.<ref name="CRA65"/>

===Later Hindu iconography===
{{see also | Hindu temple architecture | l1= Hindu temple iconography }}

====Universal frequent occurrences====
[[File:Makara Halebidu.jpg|thumb|Row of Makara in base of [[Hoysaleswara Temple]], [[Halebidu]], [[Karnataka]]. Note Makara standing vertical at corner.]]

In Hindu [[iconography]], Makara is represented as the [[vahana]] ('vehicle') of [[Ganges in Hinduism|Ganga]], the river goddess. A row of makara may run along the wall of a Hindu temple, act as the hand rail of a staircase, or form an arch above a doorway.<ref name="Lenin">{{citation
|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/article1092548.ece
|title=My Husband and Other Animals - The beast within File:Makara Halebidu.jpg
|author=Janaki Lenin
|work=The Hindu
|publisher=Kasturi & Sons Ltd
|date=2011-01-14
|access-date=2011-01-14
}}</ref>

The leading Hindu [[Vastu Shastra|temple architect]] and builder [[Ganapati Sthapati]] describes Makara as a mythical animal with the body of a fish, trunk of an elephant, feet of a lion, eyes of a monkey, ears of a pig, and the tail of a peacock.<ref name="Lenin" /> A more succinct explanation is provided: "An ancient mythological symbol, the hybrid creature is formed from a number of animals such that collectively possess the nature of a crocodile. It has the lower jaw of a crocodile, the snout or trunk of an elephant, the tusks and ears of a wild boar, the darting eyes of a monkey, the scales and the flexible body of a fish, and the swirling tailing feathers of a peacock."<ref name="Beer2003" />

Traditionally, a makara is considered to be an aquatic mythical creature. Makara has been depicted typically as half mammal and half fish. Some traditional accounts identify it with a [[crocodile]], specifically the [[Marsh Crocodile|Mugger]] because of its etymological roots. It is depicted with the forequarters of an elephant and the hindquarters as a fish tail. Crocodile was also a form which was used in the earlier days which was shown with human body.<ref name="Lenin" /><ref name="Murthy1985">{{cite book|author=K. Krishna Murthy|title=Mythical animals in Indian art|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dMI4rZuRs1MC&pg=RA1-PA44|access-date=17 January 2011|date=October 1985|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-0-391-03287-3|pages=37, 41, 44}}</ref>
[[File:Makara Halebidu row.jpg|thumb|Row of Makara in base of Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu, Karnataka]]

In many temples, the depiction is in the form of half fish or seal with head of an elephant. It is also shown with head and jaws resembling a crocodile, an elephant trunk with scales of fish and a peacock tail.<ref name="Rosen2009" /> Other accounts identify it with [[Gangetic dolphin]] having striking resemblances with the latter, now found mainly in [[Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary]]. Others portray it as a fish body with an elephant's head. The tradition identifies the makara with water, the source of all existence and fertility.<ref name="Lenin" />

In a Hindu temple, the Makara often serves as the structural [[bookend]]s of a [[thoranam]] or archway around a deity. The arch emerges up from the jaws of one Makara, rises to its peak, the [[Kirtimukha]] (the 'Face of Glory'), and descends into the gaping jaws of another Makara. Varuna is also depicted as a white man sitting on the monster makara. As a marine monster, it is also shown with the head and legs of an [[antelope]], and the body and tail of a fish.<ref name="Wilkins (2004)">{{cite book|author=W. J. Wilkins|title=Hindu Mythology, Vedic and Puranic|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=84pTrICjfRcC&pg=PA36|access-date=17 January 2011|date=March 2004|publisher=Kessinger Publishing|isbn=978-0-7661-8881-5|pages=36–}}</ref> A makara made in iron shows the monster in the form of half [[stag]] and half fish.<ref name="Wilkins (2004), p.373">Wilkins (2004)", p.373</ref> These elements are variously joined to form one of the most common recurring themes in Indian temple iconography. In Indian art, the makara finds expression in the form of many motifs, and has been portrayed in different styles. Makara figures are placed on the entry points ([[Torana]]s) of several Buddhist monuments, including the [[stupa]] of [[Sanchi]], a world heritage site. It is found guarding the entrances to royal thrones (see [[#Distribution of iconography|Distribution]] below).<ref name="Lenin" />

[[File:Makaram Thoranum at Belur.jpg|thumb|The Makara Thoranam above the door of the [[Garbhagriha]] of Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu. Two makaras are shown on either end of the arch.]]

====Medieval South Indian iconography ====

In the [[Tamil Nadu#Medieval Period (600–1300)|medieval era]] of [[South India]], Makara was shown as a fifth stage of development, symbolized in the form of an elephant head and body with an elaborately foliated fish tail. Most myths maintain this symbolism of this stage in the evolution of life.<ref name="America1970">{{cite book|author=Archaeological Institute of America|pages=41–43|title=Archaeology|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Nt8sAAAAMAAJ|access-date=17 January 2011|year=1970|publisher=Archaeological Institute of America}}</ref> (Note makara in fifth row of animistic carvings in temple wall at right.)

====Indonesian iconography ====

The [[Candi of Indonesia#Kala-Makara|temples of ancient Java]] is notable with the application of [[kala (time)|kala]]-makara as both decorative and symbolic elements of temple architecture. Kala is the giant head, often took place on the top of the entrance with makaras projected on either sides of kala's head flanking the portal or projecting on top corner as antefixes. Kala-makara theme also can be found on stairs railings on either sides. On upper part of stairs, the mouth of kala's head projecting makara downward. The intricate stone carving of twin makaras flanking the lower level of stairs with its bodies forming the stair's railings. These types of stairs decorations can be observed in [[Borobudur]] and [[Prambanan]] temples. Makara's trunks are often describes as handling gold ornaments or spouting jewels, while in its mouth often projected Gana dwarf figures or animals such as lions or parrots.

====Khmer iconography ====
[[File:Lintel corner with makara rider 1.jpg|thumb|Makara disgorging a lion-like creature on corner of a lintel on one of the towers) surrounding the central pyramid at [[Bakong]], [[Hariharalaya|Roluos]], [[Cambodia]]]]
Makaras are also a characteristic motif of the religious [[Khmer architecture]] of the [[Angkor]] region of [[Cambodia]] which was the capital of the [[Khmer Empire]]. Makaras are usually part of the decorative carving on a lintel, tympanum, or wall. Makaras are usually depicted with another symbolic animal, such as a lion, naga or serpent, emerging from its gaping open mouth. Makara are a central design motif in the beautiful lintels of the [[Hariharalaya|Roluos]] group of temples: [[Preah Ko]], [[Bakong]], and [[Lolei]]. At [[Banteay Srei]], carvings of makaras disgorging other monsters were installed on many of the buildings' corners.<ref name="Roveda">{{citation
|title=Images of the gods: Khmer mythology in Cambodia, Thailand and Laos
|author= Vittorio Roveda
|publisher=River Books
|year=2005
|pages=209–210
}}</ref>

====Nepalese iconography ====

The [[Newa people|Newa]] art of [[Nepal]] uses this depiction extensively. In Newar architecture, its depiction is "as guardian of gateways, the makara image appears on the curved prongs of the vast crossed-vajra that encompasses the four gateways of the two-dimensional [[mandala]]. Of the three dimensional-mandala this crossed-vajra supports the whole structure of the mandala palace symbolizing the immovable stability of the vajra-ground on which it stands".<ref name="Beer2003" />

Most spouts of old Nepalese drinking fountains (called [[dhunge dhara]]) have the shape of a makara.<ref name=Pranhan1988>[http://himalaya.socanth.cam.ac.uk/collections/journals/ancientnepal/pdf/ancient_nepal_116-118_02.pdf Dhunge Dhara: A Case Study of the Three Cities of Kathmandu Valley] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322165443/http://himalaya.socanth.cam.ac.uk/collections/journals/ancientnepal/pdf/ancient_nepal_116-118_02.pdf |date=2021-03-22 }} by Riddhi Pranhan, Ancient Nepal 116-118, 1990</ref>

====Sri Lankan iconography ====
[[File:Dragon Balustrade at the entrance to Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Sir Lanka.jpg|thumb|Dragon Balustrade at the entrance to [[Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi]] in [[Anuradhapura]], Sri Lanka]]
'''''Makara''''' is the [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]] term for [[dragon]], an important figure in Sinhala Buddhist culture in [[Sri Lanka]]. It is depicted on [[torana]]s in temple architecture and objects of prestige such as in [[kastane]]s.

The Makara is widely used in Sri Lankan Buddhist architecture, often depicted on [[torana]]s.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GkJOCgAAQBAJ&q=makara+sri+lanka&pg=PT624|title=The Rough Guide to Sri Lanka |date=2015-11-02|publisher=Rough Guides Limited|isbn=9780241251263|language=en}}</ref> Since ancient time, easterners{{Who|date=August 2017}} believe that Makara is one of watery creatures and even from the pre-era of the field of [[Buddhist art]], ''Makara'' has been depicted both in work of [[literature]] and [[stone carvings]]. ''Makara'' gained a distinctive position in the Sinhala Buddhist culture - a special place not given in [[Buddhist]] artwork in other countries.{{Citation needed|date=August 2017}}

The ''[[Korawakgala|Makaragala]]'' (dragon balustrade) is another kind of stone carvings which portray the ''Makara'' (dragon). These artworks used to decorate the entrance of Buddhist [[stupas]], [[temples]] and [[Bo tree]]s. There are two balustrades at main entrance of ''[[Lankatilaka Vihara]]ya'' in Kandy and they are sometimes called ''Gajasinha balustrades'' because of the shape of the ''Makara'' there.<ref name="so">{{cite web|url=http://archives1.sundayobserver.lk/2017/02/19/travel/lankatilaka-vihara-magnificent-edifice-gampola-era|title=Lankatilaka Vihara: Magnificent edifice of Gampola era|last=Wijesinghe|first=Mahil|date=19 Feb 2017|publisher=Sunday Observer|page=1|access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://discover.lankanest.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=84&Itemid=76|title=Discover Sri Lanka|publisher=Lanka Nest|access-date=16 March 2012|archive-date=12 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212220845/http://discover.lankanest.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=84&Itemid=76|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The ''[[Muragala]]'' (guardstone) has given a highest place to ''Makara''. Over the head of the gatekeeper carved in there, the figures of ''Makara'' can be seen.[[File:Karava Makara flag.jpg|thumb|[[Karava Heraldry|Karava Makara flag]] from [[Sri Lanka]] with elephant/fish head and peacock tail.]]Sinhala Buddhist artists considered ''Makara'' the symbol of prosperity and self-sufficiency so they were not hesitant in portraying the sign of ''Makara'' in the entrance [[arch]] gateway to the religious places, such as [[temple]], [[stupa]] or bodi. Precious examples for the above are [[Temple of the Tooth]] and Lankatilaka Temple in [[Kandy]].<ref name="so"/> Examples for the arched gateway with ''Makara'' over the image of [[Buddha]] can be seen in ''Ridi iharaya'' and [[Dambulla cave temple]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.angelfire.com/in4/visitsl/cities/ridi_viharaya/ridi_viharaya3.htm|title=Ridi Viharaya|last=Fernando|first=Kishani S.|newspaper=Daily Mirror|access-date=14 March 2012}}</ref>

A figure of ''Makara'' has been carved to the handle of a temple key of [[Gadaladeniya]] [[Temple]] built in 1344 in [[Diggala]] in [[Kandy District]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tomallwood.com/locations/sri_lanka/monastery_key-text.php|title=Tom Allwood Photography|publisher=Tom Allwood|access-date=18 March 2012|archive-date=25 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091025111144/http://www.tomallwood.com/locations/sri_lanka/monastery_key-text.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Makara has also been used as a clan symbol by the [[Karava]]s and [[Karaiyar]]s of [[Sri Lanka]], who both share similar origin and were collectively known as [[Kurukula (disambiguation)|Kurukulam]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4ifjAAAAMAAJ&q=kurukulam+karava|title=Kurukshetra|date=1976|publisher=Sri Lak-Indo Study Group|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4ifjAAAAMAAJ&q=makara+kurukula|title=Kurukshetra|date=1976|publisher=Sri Lak-Indo Study Group|language=en}}</ref> Since at least 14 century AD, they have used [[Karava heraldry|Makara flags]] in their ceremonies.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0EBCAQAAMAAJ&q=makara+kurukula|title=The Ceylon Antiquary and Literary Register|date=1922|language=en|last1=Lewis |first1=John Penry |last2=Senaveratna |first2=John M. |last3=Bell |first3=Harry Charles Purvis }}</ref> Clan titles such as ''Aditya'' and ''Varunakulasuriyan'' were used by them, to indicate their connection to ancient Hindu god [[Varuna]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4ogmAQAAMAAJ&q=varunakulasuriya|title=Fisheries in Sri Lanka: anthropological and biological aspects|last=Sivasubramaniam|first=K.|date=2009|publisher=Kumaran Book House|isbn=9789556591460|language=en}}</ref>

====Tibetan Buddhist iconography ====

In the [[Tibetan Buddhism|Tibetan Buddhist format]] it evolved from the [[India]]n form of makara. However, it is different in some ways such as, "display of lions fore paws, a horse's mane, the gills and tendrils of a fish, and the horns of a deer or dragon. From its once simple fishtail, sometimes feathered, now emerges as a complex spiraling floral pattern known as makara-tail design (Sanskrit''makaraketu'')".<ref name="Beer2003" />

In [[Tibet]]an iconography, it is depicted in the ''[[Vajrayana]]'' as a weapon of strength and tenacity. The ''Vajrayan'' weapons which have makara symbolism are: axe, iron hook, curved knife, vajra, and ritual dagger, in all of which the theme is "emergence of the blade from the open mouth of the makara".<ref name="Beer2003" />

Its symbolic representation in the form of a makara head at the corner of temple roofs is as water element which also functions as a "rainwater [[pranala|spout]] or [[gargoyle]]". It is also seen as water spouts at the source of a spring. The artistic carving in stone is in the form of identical pair of makaras flanked by two [[Nāga]]s (snake gods) along with a crown of [[Garuda]], which is called the ''[[kirtimukha]]'' face. Such depictions are also seen at the entrance of wooden doorways as the top arch and also as a torana behind [[Buddha]]'s images.<ref name="Beer2003" />

==Distribution of iconography ==

Stone sculptures of the mythological Makara and its ancient place in the iconography of Hinduism and Buddhism are widely spread throughout [[South Asia]] and [[Southeast Asia]]. Examples from ten countries are shown below:

<gallery caption="Makara sculptures throughout South Asia and Southeast Asia">
File:Kaushambi Makara pillar capital, 2nd century BCE.jpg|Kaushambi Makara pillar capital, 2nd century BCE
File:Nanpaya-Bagan-Myanmar-06-gje.jpg|Makara at [[Nanpaya Temple]], [[Bagan]], [[Burma]]
File:Musée Guimet 897 03.jpg|Makara on lintel from [[Sambor Prei Kuk]] temple, [[Kampong Thom City]], [[Cambodia]]
File:China, testa di makara, norther qi dynasty, 550-577 02.JPG|Makara from [[Northern Qi Dynasty]] (CE 550-577), [[China]]
File:Devotees offering prayers at a sanctum in Chennakesava temple at Belur.jpg|Makara and [[Kirtimukha]] protecting portal of [[Chennakeshava Temple, Belur|Chennakesava Temple]] at [[Belur, Karnataka|Belur]], [[India]]
File:Makara Makara met een romp in de vorm van een leeuw, AK-MAK-248.jpg|Makara stairs adornment from [[Bubrah]] temple, Central Java, [[Indonesia]]
File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Stenen beelden in de vorm van een makara op de Candi Kalasan TMnr 10015966.jpg|Makara sculptures at the [[Candi Kalasan]] Temple, Indonesia
File:Vat That Phun2010-1.jpg|Nagas emerging from Makara mouths at [[Wat]] [[ThatPhun]], [[Vientiane]], [[Laos]]
File:Makara KL 004.JPG|Makara from the 7th century CE at [[National Museum (Malaysia)|National Museum]] [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Malaysia]]
File:Kirtimukha.Nepal1.JPG|Makara and Kirtimukha at Hindu temple in [[Kathmandu]], [[Nepal]]
File:Central Stone Tap, Balaju Baisdhara.jpg|Hiti Manga in the Balaju Water Garden. Almost all [[Dhunge Dhara|stone taps]] in Nepal depict this Makara
File:Bhaktapur-Naga Pokhari-10-gje.jpg|Hiti Manga in [[Bhaktapur]], [[Nepal]]
File:Wsuthatmakara0409.jpg|Makara with Nagas, [[Wat Suthat]], [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]]
File:Cham Naga.png|[[Cham (Asia)|Cham]] god [[Nāga]] emerging from mouth of Makara at the [[National Museum of Vietnamese History]]
File:"Makara pandol" over the image of Lord Buddha.jpg|Makara pandol over the image of Buddha in Dambulla cave temple, [[Sri Lanka]].
File:Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum (89).jpg|[[Sasashima ware]] square bowl, ''makara'' design. [[Edo period]], 19th century
File:One of the ribs of bajra, Ashok Stupa, Lagankhel, Patan.jpg|One of the ribs of a vajra, Ashok Stupa, Patan, Nepal
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Capricorn (astrology)]]
* [[Dashavatara]]
* [[Gamzee Makara]]
* [[Shachihoko]]
* [[Vahana]]
* [[Cipactli]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
*''Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend'' ({{ISBN|0-500-51088-1}}) by Anna Dallapiccola
*''The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols'' by Miranda Bruce-Mitford

==Bibliography==
* {{cite news |last=Perera|first=ADTA|title=Makara - crafted with mattock (ගල් කටුවෙන් පණ ගැන්වූ මකරා)|journal=Religious News (ශාසන ප්‍රවෘත්ති)|date=Sep–Oct 1975|volume= 5|issue= 1–2|pages=6–7|publisher=Religious Division of Department of Cultural Affairs|location=Colombo|language=si}}
* {{cite news |last=Schokman|first=Derrick|title=The Kusta Raja Gala|journal=Daily News|date=12 April 2003|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/04/12/fea05.html|access-date=18 March 2012}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Makara}}

{{HinduMythology}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Legendary creatures in Hindu mythology]]
[[Category:Legendary reptiles]]
[[Category:Fish in Buddhism]]
[[Category:Tibetan Buddhist practices]]
[[Category:Mythological aquatic creatures]]
[[Category:Mythological hybrids]]
[[Category:Indian dragons]]
[[Category:Capricorn in astrology]]
[[Category:Varuna]]
[[Category:South Asian river dolphins]]

Makara - Revision history

DigitalKush at 19:55, 19 October 2025