Gajapati Narasingha Deva at the Antahpura

Gajapati Narasingha Deva – I relaxing on a swing at the Antahpura or the Gynaeceum (the Queen’s Apartment). Here also he is keeping a sword in his lap that portrays the life threat to the King and his readiness to face any adverse situation at any given point of time.

The top of the poles of the swing are Makara faced, so also the earrings of the King. This shows the auspiciousness of the Makara form. The King is adorned with various ornaments like earrings, toe and finger rings, anklets, armlets, waist band, necklaces, crown etc.

The female attendants of the King are offering Chamara service, foot massage, body massage with aromatic paste for the King. They are also swinging the royal swing on which the King is seated. The swing is hanging from an arch that connects both the Makara heads of the poles of the swing. The King is taking time out from his busy schedule to relax and pass time with his female attendants.

This artifact belonging to Konark Sun Temple is on display at the National Museum, New Delhi.