Vishnu resting on the cosmic serpent, and in the form of the Navagunjara
Bhagavad-Gita.
Oblong 12mo (146 x 81 ff.). 288 ff. (of approximately 305, with 2 of the 288 replaced in a later hand). Black Devanagari script, with important words and phrases picked out in red. In three sections, each with handwritten foliation (the third section uses the Nepali Devanagari variant for the number 1). With two full-page miniatures. Contemporary red cloth boards with flap, with partial paper label and manuscript title on front cover.
€ 6,500.00
Magnificent illustrated manuscript of a substantial part of the Bhagavad-Gita, a central part of the epic poem Mahabharata and a major work of Hindu mythology. The Bhagavad-Gita tells the story of Krishna, eighth avatar of Vishnu (identified as a manifestation of Brahman), and Arjuna, a warrior prince plagued by doubt in the face of the battle which may leave him responsible for the deaths of his own relatives.
The manuscript is written in Devanagari script and includes two full-page miniatures, skillfully painted and decorated with gold. The first illustration shows the Navagunjara (or Nabagunjara), a creature composed of nine different animals. The Navagunjara is considered an astral form of the god Vishnu, or Krishna. Facing Vishnu-as-Navagunjara is the hero Arjuna, a master of martial arts and particularly of archery. In the miniature, Arjuna is easily recognizable by his bow.
The second illustration represents Vishnu and Ananta, also called Shesha or Adishesha, a mythical creature with the body of a thousand-headed serpent. Its Sanskrit name Ananta means endless, or limitless, eternal, or infinite. In the miniature, this cosmic serpent serves as a bed for Vishnu while he rests after the dissolution (pralaya) of an ancient universe. Vishnu is the second god of the Trimurti, along with Brahma and Shiva, and is known for his many avatars. He is the main deity of Vishnuism, one of the two major schools which Hinduism shares with Shaivism. In the Bhagavad-Gita, he journeys alongside Arjuna, dispensing wisdom and lessons as they make their way through a series of trials both physical and philosophical.
1-8, 17-56, 9-16, 57-86, (full-page illustration), 87-102, 203-204 (likely in error, 105-116, 17 (likely scribal error), 118-134, 35, 136-141, (1), (2 blank), (full-page illustration), 1-30, 48, (1 blank), 1-31, (32-33 present but a later addition), 34-47, (1), [here begin Nepali numerals] 1-56, (1) ff.
First section is apparently complete in 141 ff., though two sections are bound out of order, and a few have been misnumbered. Second section wanting 31-47 of 48 ff. Third section with 2 ff. replaced in a later hand, of 47 ff. Fourth section apparently complete. Each complete numbered section appears to end with one unnumbered leaf, on which text does not complete the full extent of the leaf (usually just the first half of the verso). Sections appear to be numbered chapters, and each leaf appears to have a chapter number above the folio number.
With a handful of loose leaves, apparently unrelated, tucked in; covers worn, marginal dampstains, paper repairs especially close to spine, not interfering with text; two leaves replaced. In very good condition.
Related
-
Shalihotra Samhita [Encyclopedia of the physician Shalihotra].Rajasthan, Northwest India, 19th century.
€ 45,000.00 -
Laddhat un-nisa [The Pleasure of Women].Mughal Kashmir or Safavid Iran, before 1724 CE.
€ 18,500.00 -
Bhagavad-Gita.Northern India, ca. 1850.
€ 8,500.00 -
[Nine hand-painted miniatures illustrating the Yusuf and Zulaykha Romance].Northern India, 18th century.
€ 4,500.00