Gandaberunda - The state emblem of Karnataka

This post is about the state emblem of Karnataka, the dual headed eagle. Possessing magical powers and immense strength, it is seen here intricately woven in fine silk by weavers of Molkalamuru town in Chitradurga district.

Historically, in Karnataka, the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas, Keladi chiefs, Kadambas, and the Vijayanagara kings have used Gandaberunda in various forms. The Hoysalas adopted it as an epithet. Coins embossed with Gandaberunda were minted by the Chalukyas, Vijayanagara kings and the Wodeyars.

The first sculpture of Gandaberunda dates back to 1047 in Shiralakoppa, Shivamogga district, under the Chalukyas. In Belur's Chennakesava temple, an entire 'chain of destruction', that shows the Gandaberunda slaying Sharabha, an avatar of Shiva, is carved in stone.

The story goes that Lord Narasimhan, the avatar of Vishnu becomes uncontrollable after killing Hiranyakashyapu. Rishis and other deities plead Shiva to pacify this avatar. Shiva is said to have taken the avatar of Sharabha, an eight legged half lion - half bird - beast, to tame Narasimhan. Enraged by this, in a fight that lasted 18 days, Narasimhan eventually changes his form to Gandaberunda, the two headed eagle, and slays Sharabha.

To possess a historically rich weave (the Molkalamuru) with an equally important motif was my dream of 4 yrs. Ever since I visited Gocoop exhibition in 2018, this saree was on my mind. The sarees are intricately woven in silk by the weavers of Molkalamuru cluster in pit looms, using age old techniques.

Finally bought this saree from Gocoop (online portal) during the lockdown period.

Can't thank enough the efforts of

Siva Devireddy

and Mr Vanjre Ramesh, the national award winning master weaver of Molkalamuru silk sarees of Karnataka. Especially for retaining old techniques, old motifs of sarees and training the next generation of weavers.

©️Sharvari Khatavkar