Pashupati seal

Shiva Pashupati

Mohenjo-daro

Pashupati seal impression

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Durga Temple Aihole ADSC 1481

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Agni god of fire

Pashupati Seal is one of the most significant archaeological findings related to the Indus Valley Civilization, a Bronze Age civilization that flourished in the northwestern regions of South Asia from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. Discovered in the 1920s at the site of Mohenjo-Daro, one of the largest city-settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization, the seal has generated considerable interest and debate among historians, archaeologists, and scholars due to its iconography and inscriptions, which some interpret as having religious significance.

Description

The Pashupati Seal is a small, square stone tablet measuring approximately 3.56 cm x 3.53 cm x 1.52 cm. It is made of steatite, a kind of soapstone, and has a carving of a figure seated in a yogic position surrounded by animals. The figure is often identified as a proto-Shiva, due to the yogic posture and the presence of animals that are traditionally associated with Shiva, a major deity in Hinduism. This figure is sometimes referred to as Pashupati, meaning "lord of animals," a name also associated with Shiva.

The seal depicts the central figure with three faces, sitting on a throne in a position reminiscent of the lotus position, with legs folded beneath the body. The figure is surrounded by four animals: an elephant and a tiger on one side, and a rhinoceros and a buffalo on the other. Below the throne, two deer appear, flanking the central figure. The animals are believed to symbolize different aspects of nature or possibly the cardinal directions.

Above the central figure, there are pictographic inscriptions, which have not been definitively deciphered. These inscriptions are part of the still undeciphered script of the Indus Valley Civilization, adding to the mystery and intrigue of the seal.

Interpretations

The interpretation of the Pashupati Seal has been the subject of much debate. Some scholars see it as evidence of proto-Shiva worship, suggesting that the figure represents an early form of the Hindu god Shiva as the lord of animals. This interpretation is supported by the yogic posture of the figure and the presence of animals associated with Shiva in later Hindu texts.

Other scholars caution against reading too much into the seal's imagery, arguing that without a clear understanding of the Indus script, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the seal's meaning or the beliefs of the Indus Valley people. They suggest that the figure could represent a deity, a king, or a mythological being without direct ties to Hinduism.

Significance

The Pashupati Seal is significant for several reasons. It provides valuable insights into the religious life, artistic practices, and societal organization of the Indus Valley Civilization. The craftsmanship of the seal indicates a high level of skill in carving and design among the Indus Valley people. Additionally, the seal's iconography offers clues about the symbolic and religious world of one of the world's earliest urban civilizations.

The seal also plays a crucial role in discussions about the continuity of religious and cultural practices in South Asia, with some scholars suggesting that elements of Indus Valley religion may have influenced later Hindu practices.

Conclusion

The Pashupati Seal remains one of the most intriguing and debated artifacts of the Indus Valley Civilization. Its detailed craftsmanship and mysterious iconography continue to fascinate scholars and laypersons alike, offering a window into the complex society that thrived in the Indus Valley thousands of years ago.