Mythology has long been a source of inspiration for me. Among these mythological icons is the mythical Yazhi and the Gandaberunda, a two-headed bird. They represent power, protection, strength, and victory that man has acquired over himself and the world. As I get ready to present a collection created by me for Coolture Designs, inspired by mythical creatures, here is a note on the Symbolism of Gandaberunda.
What is Gandaberunda?
Gandaberunda or Berunda is represented as a two-headed bird with massive wings and talons. The bird’s mythological associations with regeneration, duality, and protection amplifies its cultural significance. For centuries, it has symbolised the ability to overcome insurmountable odds and emerge victorious. There is also a human variation of the Gandaberunda, known as Bherunda murti – a human man with two bird heads. Find a research paper on the form by Gomathi Gowda here. Therefore, rather than asking what Gandaberunda is, it would be pertinent to ask “who Gandaberunda is or whom does it represent.”
Association with Narasimha Avatar
The Gandaberunda traces its origins to myths associated with Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities of the Hindu pantheon. According to legend, when Vishnu manifested in his fierce Narasimha avatar (a half-man, half-lion incarnation) to destroy the demon king Hiranyakashipu, he became uncontrollable. To subdue this wrathful form, Lord Shiva took on the form of Sarabha or Sarabeshwarar, a chimeral combination of an eagle and a lion. Narasimha became furious and turned into the Gandaberunda and fought with Sarabha for 18 days. Both disappeared after a time and Narasimha blessed Prahalada, his devotee and son of Hiranyakashipu to live a long life and rule wisely.
However, this version of the myth is not accepted by several sects of both Vaishnavites and Shaivaites (worshippers of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva respectively) who claim one or both these forms to be imaginary concoctions. Though I believe that all religious forms are either naturalistic or stylistic interpretations of abstract concepts, I will not get into further arguments but direct you to Swadharama’s website which has an elaborate article on Gandaberunda Vs Sarabha.
This brings me back to the collection of picture jewellery carrying the form of Gandaberunda.
Bherunda
Bherunda is a limited edition collection of jewellery which brings to you a magical world with Gandaberunda and Yazhi motifs. With picture pendants, faceted glass beads and Czech crystals, the collection reminds us that the past can be a powerful source of inspiration in shaping the aesthetics of the future. Find three necklaces from the collection in this post.
Bherunda Necklaces
Unlike my jewellery collections of the past, this one features only three pendant/component design. However, there are multiple colourways, the scope of which is further expanded for different combinations of beads.
The three necklaces that you find in this post feature an original illustration of Gandaberunda made by me (hand drawn + digital) set on a solid background and enclosed by a golden frame. The three base colours are dark blue, dark green and burgundy.
These necklaces are available at Coolture Designs. Please contact them to purchase. Wait for the part two, three and four of this collection where I will post more necklaces and earrings.
I hope you find it interesting
Cheers
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