Divine creativity has always flourished in Odisha, the land of temples, colors, and sacred imagination. Each sculpture and brushstroke conveys a devotional tale. Navagunjara art is particularly beautiful and mysterious among the many myths depicted in centuries of Odia folk art.
Comprising nine entities, this captivating Hindu composite represents the ideal balance of power, intelligence, and elegance. It represents the Odia belief that divinity permeates all forms of life and has its roots in Navagunjara mythology. This divine form lives on in Odisha mythological art, which adorns both homes and hearts, even outside of the sacred texts.
The divine story, essential Navagunjara symbolism, artistic representation, and the reasons it makes a significant decorative art piece for contemporary homes are all explored in this blog.
The Mythological Story of Navagunjara: When Krishna Tested Arjuna
The story comes from the Mahabharata, according to Navagunjara mythology. Arjuna once came upon a strange and divine creature during his exile that defied form and reason. It possessed an elephant's trunk, a bull's back, a peacock's neck, and a rooster's head. It had a serpentine tail and a human arm with a fragile lotus blossom.
Arjuna raised his bow in surprise at what he saw until he felt a familiar divinity. He knew then and there that this being was Lord Krishna, testing his faith by taking on an unthinkable form.
The moral of the story is that divinity is present in all aspects of creation and is not limited to human perception. The divine harmony of all life forms, a major theme in Odisha mythological art, is thus symbolized by Navagunjara art.
Understanding Navagunjara: The Nine Forms & Their Symbolism
"Nava" (nine) and "Gunjara" (being or creature) are combined to form the word "Navagunjara." It is a Hindu composite creature that combines nine distinct entities, all of which have sacred meanings.
| Body Part | Symbolism |
| Head of a rooster | Awakening and vigilance, spiritual consciousness |
| Neck of a peacock | Beauty, rhythm and divine elegance |
| Back of a bull | Steadfastness, strength and dharma |
| Lion’s waist | Courage, leadership and vitality |
| Trunk of an elephant | Wisdom, prosperity and memory |
| Tail of a serpent | Transformation and cosmic energy |
| Human arm holding a lotus | Consciousness, purity, and divine intent |
| Leg of a deer | Grace, agility and innocence |
| Leg of a tiger | Power, ferocity and protection |
Power and beauty, instinct and wisdom, the earthly and the divine all of these opposing forces are balanced in Navagunjara symbolism. Echoing the timeless concept of Odia folk art, "Harmony within diversity," they come together to form a single entity that represents cosmic balance.
Philosophical Essence: The Deeper Meaning Behind Navagunjara
Beyond its legendary story, Navagunjara art is deeply rooted in philosophy. The creature represents Vishwaroopa, the cosmic manifestation of Lord Vishnu, according to Odia spirituality, in which all creation is contained within a single divine entity.
It teaches that all creatures, no matter how small or different, have divine significance. This belief is perfectly encapsulated in the Odia proverb "Sarba Jiba Ishwara Atma" (Every life form carries the soul of God).
Arjuna symbolically acknowledged that the divine transcends known forms and definitions when he bowed to Navagunjara. The core of Navagunjara mythology is this humility in the face of uncertainty, which still has an impact on Odisha mythological art and temple customs today.
Navagunjara in Odia Art and Iconography
One of the most complex and creative forms of Indian aesthetics is the visual representation of Navagunjara art. Its surreal anatomy was first portrayed in stone reliefs by sculptors in ancient temples, particularly in Puri.
The finest details bright black outlines, organic hues, and divine symmetry are what give Navagunjara life in traditional Pattachitra paintings. Every color has a function; red denotes vitality, yellow enlightenment, white purity, and black protection.
Navagunjara art is still painted on wall plates, wooden panels, and palm leaves by the craftspeople of Raghurajpur, Odisha's craft village. Every brushstroke honors the Odia belief that art is worship and their method of fusing devotion with design.
The enduring conversation between man and the divine, which has been a defining feature of Odia folk art for centuries, is thus the subject of Navagunjara symbolism in art rather than merely form.
The Connection Between Navagunjara and Lord Jagannath
The supreme deity of Odisha, Lord Jagannath, is closely associated with the spiritual essence of Navagunjara art. The same universal truth is represented by both: God is infinite, inclusive, and formless.
Navagunjara is a reflection of the same cosmic wholeness that Lord Jagannath represents: the unity of all beings. Navagunjara, which represents the divine completeness, is frequently depicted close to Lord Jagannath in Odisha mythological art.
The message is still the same: God is present in all forms and the universe is an artistic manifestation of him. Because of this, Navagunjara art is more than just ornamental; it is profoundly philosophical and represents Odia identity and spiritual inclusivity.
Cultural Continuity: From Ancient Myth to Modern Expression
From temple murals to contemporary handcrafted décor, Navagunjara art has undergone a stunning evolution over time. Generations of painters, sculptors, and storytellers have been influenced by the creature's remarkable composition.
Using rhythm and devotion, singers tell the story of Arjuna and Navagunjara's divine encounter in performing arts such as Pala and Daskathia. In order to preserve the legacy of Navagunjara mythology, modern artists reinterpret the legend in murals, textiles, and digital artworks.
It continues to be a potent representation of Odisha mythological art, bridging the past and present with inventiveness and cultural pride.
Symbolism in Today’s World: Lessons for Modern Life
Navagunjara symbolism has a timeless meaning. Its essence provides important lessons in the fast-paced world of today:
- Spiritual balance: The nine forms serve as a reminder to harmonize the body, mind, and soul.
- Unity in diversity: Its shape symbolizes the coexistence of various people and animals.
- Environmental consciousness: It emphasizes how all life is interconnected, a message of ecology concealed in works of divine art.
- Introspection: It encourages accepting both disorder and serenity as necessary components of personal development.
As a result, Navagunjara art still serves as a visual meditation and a reminder of equilibrium in an otherwise out-of-balance world.
Navagunjara as a Decorative Piece: Aesthetic Appeal & Spiritual Significance
Beyond mythology, Navagunjara art has become a timeless decorative and spiritual element in contemporary homes. It is an artistic representation of Odia philosophy and cultural storytelling, not just décor.
Why it's ideal for interior design:
- Cultural depth: It gives interior spaces a feeling of tradition derived from the mythological art of Odisha.
- Visual harmony: The complex arrangement gives living areas movement and balance.
- Spiritual value: Navagunjara symbolism is perfect for meditation areas, pooja rooms, or entrances because every element exudes positive energy.
- Conversation starter: A handcrafted Navagunjara sculpture or wall plate frequently serves as the home's artistic focal point, bridging the gap between spirituality and art.
Style Advice:
To bring out the divine vibrancy of a Pattachitra Navagunjara artwork, place it on walls with neutral hues and brass accents or earthy textures. It goes well with both modern and traditional décor styles.
Harmony gift:
Giving a loved one a Navagunjara is a perfect way to preserve Odisha's artistic heritage while also wishing them wisdom, balance, and peace.
Essentially, incorporating Navagunjara art into one's surroundings entails beckoning cosmic balance, a blend of power, elegance, and divinity that uplifts the spirit daily.
Conclusion: The Nine Forms of Divinity's Eternal Dance
The path of Navagunjara art is one of faith, inventiveness, and harmony, starting with Arjuna's revelation and ending with the brush of a Pattachitra artist. It upholds the eternal truth that divinity is present in all forms of creation and continues to be one of the most profound symbols in Odia folk art.
Navagunjara art continues to represent the spiritual core of Odisha, where mythology and craftsmanship collide and devotion manifests itself through art, whether it is valued as a sacred myth or treasured as a decorative item.
FAQ's On Symbolism of Navagunjara
1. What does the Navagunjara symbolize?
Navagunjara symbolizes the divine unity of all life forms. It represents balance, harmony, and the belief that divinity exists in every creature and creation.
2. How is Nabagunjara depicted in art?
In Odia art, especially Pattachitra paintings and temple carvings, Navagunjara is shown as a composite creature made of nine beings, blending vivid colors, fine detailing, and spiritual symbolism.
3. What are the powers of the Navagunjara?
Navagunjara embodies wisdom, strength, grace, and transformation. It symbolizes the cosmic power of creation and the spiritual balance between different forces of nature.
4. What are the 9 animals in the Navagunjara?
The Navagunjara combines nine elements: a rooster’s head, a peacock’s neck, a bull’s back, a lion’s waist, an elephant’s trunk, a serpent’s tail, a human arm holding a lotus, a deer’s leg, and a tiger’s leg.
5. What is the significance of Lord Vishnu appearing as Navagunjara before Arjuna?
Lord Vishnu appeared as Navagunjara to test Arjuna’s faith and humility. The divine form reminded Arjuna that the Supreme Being exists in every shape and creature, teaching the lesson of universal divinity and acceptance beyond human perception.
