The Sage Agastya Seated in Meditation on his Water Pot

Q: Where can I see it?

At the Art Institute of Chicago. About 5 inches tall in gilt bronze from the Kathmandu Valley.

This 15th-century gilt bronze from the Kathmandu Valley depicts Agastya, one of the seven great sages (Saptarishis) in Hindu tradition. He's shown seated on his characteristic attribute: a water pot (kumbha). According to legend, Agastya was born from a kumbha containing the seed of the gods Mitra and Varuna, earning the name Kumbhayoni ("he whose womb was a mud pot"). He authored hymns in the Rigveda.

Agastya was regarded as a manas-putra (mind-born son) of the divine, created by the gods to produce powerful beings capable of countering demonic forces. The gilt bronze technique gives the figure a golden luminosity appropriate for depicting a divine sage. At about 5 inches, this was likely for a private shrine or personal devotion. It's at the Art Institute of Chicago.

One of the seven great sages (Saptarishis) in Hindu tradition. He authored hymns in the Rigveda and was believed to be born from a water pot containing divine seed. He was created by the gods to counter demonic forces.

The kumbha (water pot) is his birth symbol. Legend says he was born from a pot containing the seed of gods Mitra and Varuna, giving him the name Kumbhayoni ("he whose womb was a mud pot"). It's his identifying attribute.

The seven great seers of Hindu tradition, regarded as the patriarchs of the Vedic religion. They authored portions of the Vedas and are considered the spiritual forefathers of Hinduism. Agastya is one of the most revered.

At the Art Institute of Chicago. About 5 inches tall in gilt bronze from the Kathmandu Valley.

The Sage Agastya Seated in Meditation on his Water Pot (Kumbha)

Details

Where to See It

Also at Art Institute of Chicago

The Solitude of the Soul

Walking Buddha

Architectural Fragment with Relief Carving

Allegory of Science

About The Sage Agastya Seated in Meditation on his Water Pot (Kumbha)

Own Art Like This