Sacred Symbols of Nepal Mythical Creatures

Toni Sanders and Sudarshan Suwal

ISBN 10: 9937649404 / ISBN 13: 9789937649407

Published by Himalayan Map House, 2016

About this Item

Contents: 1. Background and introduction. 2. Monsoon culture. 3. Indianisation in the Kathmandu Valley brings syncretisation of religious practices. 4. Kathmandu Valley: land of Nagas and Garudas. 5. Torana. 6. Side panels of doorways and thrones. 7. Throne of the Buddhas. 8. Vahana (Vehicles). 9. Guardians. 10. Other images of animals found in the valley. Annexures. Bibliography. The intention behind this little book is to introduce the world of the mythical creatures which are symbols used in the sacred arts of Nepal and the Kathmandu Valley. It is not designed as an academic study of these animals but is a collection of sketches and drawings of the animals that intrigued me, and needed explanation as I was learning to paint Tangkas and Paubas in Nepal. Sources consulted include electronic resources, books, academic papers, museum labels, pundits, gurus, teachers and friends. I thank them all for their contribution to the written information which provides a simple framework of myths, legends, stories and explanations. The illustrations are sketches drawn from the formal paintings, wood, stone, brick carvings and metal work which abound in every region of Nepal. The viewer needs to look closely at the creatures, not only identifying their overall form. The details open another world which illustrates the stories, myths, legends and rituals of Nepali life of which these animals are an intrinsic part. (jacket).

Seller Inventory # 119949

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Sacred Symbols of Nepal Mythical Creatures
• Publisher: Himalayan Map House
• Publication Date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9937649404
• ISBN 13: 9789937649407
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Language: English
Pages: 132 (Throughout B/W Illustrations)


About the Book

The intention behind this little book is to introduce the world of the mythical creatures which are symbols used in the sacred arts of Nepal and the Kathmandu Valley. It is not designed as an academic study of these animals but is a collection of sketches and drawings of the animals that intrigued me, and needed explanation as I was learning to paint tangkas and paubas in Nepal.

Sources consulted include electronic resources, books, academic papers, museum labels, pundits, gurus, teachers and friends. I thank them all for their contribution to the written information which provides a simple framework of myths, legends, stories and explanations.

The illustrations are sketches drawn from the formal paintings, wood, stone, brick carvings and metal work which abound in every region of Nepal.

The viewer needs to look closely at the creatures, not only identifying their overall form. The details open another world which illustrates the stories, myths, legends and rituals of Nepali life of which these animals are an intrinsic part.

I hope that this is a useful introductory resource which can be used as a key to the names and basic information about these wonderful mythical creatures of Nepal.

As this is a new field of study, without one extensive anthology, we would like to build up resources and information.

If you have any corrections, contributions or information, stories, images or information about Nepali or Newari symbology, religious iconography, ancient lore or rituals. Your input will contribute to upcoming editions and to the pool of information, ensuring it is passed on to future generations.

About the Author

Sudarshan Suwal began studying painting