Mythical Makara

Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s annual transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara) and the onset of its northward journey (Uttarāyaṇa). This day which falls on January 14th or 15th is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving and spiritual renewal regardless of one’s religion. It is celebrated across India with different names such as Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, Magh Bihu and Uttarāyaṇ. People honour the Sun by offering the harvest –  rice that is either sweetened with jaggery or unsweetened with lentils and a host of local vegetables and fruits, including sugarcane. Since I have written about Pongal and Sankranti in my previous post, I will dedicate this post to discussing the mythical Makara, that is central to this festival.

What is a Makara?

A Makara itself is an aquatic creature seen in South Asian religious imagery. Sources describe Makara as a chimeric creature that is part-elephant, part-fish, part-crocodile and part peacock. It is seen a fierce creature whose skills in war are unparalled. There are several myths about the sea creature that kills sailors who venture into unknown waters. Therefore, English translators of ancient Hindu texts have called it as a “sea dragon” or a “sea monster” in the past.

Though considered to be a monster that needs to be vanquished, it appears on gateways, spouts and railings, as sculpture and bas-reliefs, as a guardian figure.

In all its variations, a makara embodies the link between land, river and sea. In its crocodile like variation, it is the vāhanā (mount) of the river goddess Gaṅgā and the sea-god Varuṇa. It denotes both the life giving and nurturing nature of the river and destructive nature of the sea.  Makara is also linked to Kama, the god of love, whose flag is called “makara-dhvaja.” The form is used in arches of temple sanctums as it signifies an entrance into a liminal and sacred space. In astrology, it corresponds to the zodiac sign Capricorn (which is a goat) another sign of virility and also considered to be a doorway keeper.

Metaphorically speaking, Makara much like the Yazhi symbolises ego that must be kept under control. The creature is beautiful yet dangerous. It shows that while self confidence and determination can help you achieve your goals, over confidence can lead to failure. According to Shobha Narayanan of Jewels of India, the makara is self-consuming, a process that leads to cosmic dissolution or pralaya.

Makara in art and architecture

In early Buddhist railings and stupas, the makara is comparatively naturalistic. It looks like a crocodile or has fish-like jaws disgorging lotuses or garlands. The South East Asian forms look more like a dragon and less like a crocodile. But, in South Indian temple sculpture and later medieval bronzes the makara becomes increasingly stylised and decorative. In arched makara-toranas (decorative arches that frame sanctums) and Prabhavalis (metal arch placed behind an idol), it has peacock tails, and sinuous foliate joins. Its curvaceous form allows it to be used as an ornamental motif in paintings, prints textiles and jewellery.

Mythical Makara Kundala

Makara due to its sinuous form lends itself well to jewellery. In India, you can see makara’s form in basket earrings, bracelets, and pendants. I have used the makar form in one of my tholu bommalata experiments and you can see the earrings in the first image of this post.

However, there are Vaishnavite and Shaivite legends of how both Vishnu and Shiva wear makaras creatures as earrings, necklaces or armbands. These are called as Makara Kundala, Makara kranti and Makara Keyura. In my opinion, this act should be looked at metaphorically rather than literally.

Wearing a deady creature is often shown as an act of taming the creature (Example – Shiva wearing poisonous snakes). They signify the almighty grasp over Aham – self/ego serve as a reminder that for power to be useful in must be controlled. This is very different from Vishnu as Panduranga wearing fish earrings as that was a symbol of love and devotion. 

Despite its compelling form, the mythical Makara must not be looked at as just an ornamental motif. Being a creature of water, it represents strength, life across boundaries and transient beauty. It indicates the need to look at the non-binary world, and the more-than-human world without a thirst for power or greed. As a liminal keeper of thresholds the mythical makara bestows protection. It urges us to look at the beauty in transition, making it the perfect embodiment of Makar Sankranti – a festival that celebrates life, renewal, beauty and the strength of solidarity.

I hope you find it interesting

Cheers