EMBODIMENT OF MAGNIFICENCE – THE ELEPHANT MOTIF
Representing power and strength, Elephant – the gentle giant stands as a royal depiction of serenity and might. The elephant has always been a favourite fantasy to us, especially children and they are well known for both calmness and toughness with respect to the circumstances.
As an elephant in the battlefield, withstands arrows shot from bows all around, so shall I endure abuse -The Buddha
In agreement to the above statement, elephants symbolise strength and robustness, which proved to be the inspiration for the traditional Kanchipuram saree weavers to use elephant motifs in many of their works. It is seen that elephant is the most preferred motif for many saree lovers.
ELEPHANTS IN WARFARE
Owning an elephant was a factor of pride and royalty in Mauryan times, when only the kings were allowed to possess an elephant. Kings with elephant troops in battles were considered to be very powerful. It was said that elephants must be well trained so that it can withstand attacks from all kinds of weapons, destroy the enemy troops and primarily safeguard its rider. The huge size of the elephants was believed to affect the enemy psychologically which disturbed their confidence.
ELEPHANTS IN MYTHOLOGY
Elephant holds an important place in Hindu Iconography – from being believed to be a Godly deity (Lord Ganesa) to being revered as holy vahana(vehicle) for Indian Gods.
In Buddhism, there is a tale of Queen Maya the mother of Gautama Buddha in which she had a weird dream of a white elephant entering her stomach and very soon she discovered that she was pregnant with the great sage. By this Buddhism reinforces the belief of elephants to be authority and royalty.
Elephant is a very frequently found totem in many cultures and religions and every tradition have their own beliefs about the creature. In a few traditions, it is believed that elephants carry and guard the earth on their backs just like a turtle carrying its shell which is believed to bearing the world on its back.
THE INSPIRATIONAL MOTIF
The hathi or the yanai – as it is regionally called – the elephant holds heavy and positive connotation and credence, which turned out to be a great inspiration for our Kanchipuram silk weavers to use the elephant as a motif.
As traditional Kanchipuram weavers draw inspiration from the temple architecture of the city, this motif of elephants is also taken from the same. One can very commonly see elephants holding the pillars of the temples which represents massive strength and power.
Elephants symbolize good luck and wisdom, in addition to fertility and protection. It is believed that an elephant with a raised trunk is a sign to attract good fortune and luck as it showers all its positivity out. Whereas an elephant with its trunk down is in resting state with all the accumulated positive energy, waiting to fight off all the obstacles on its way.
ELEPHANT MOTIF IN KANCHIPURAM SILK SAREES
Majestic in appearance and robust in nature elephant is naturally a magnificent creature. Popular for the royalty and dignity, elephant is always a symbol of great power and strength.
Elephant motifs are recurring designs that are very special in Kanchipuram silk sarees. It is indeed a good sight to see the elephants march on the borders of the sarees and golden elephants spread all over the pallu and the body of the saree.
These elegant and bold elephant motifs add beauty to the already beautiful Kanchipuram silk sarees.