https://tinyurl.com/y3dwju97
Citragupta is a quintessential accountant, a keeper of accounts, wealth-accounting ledgers. This tradition is traceable to R̥gveda and Indus Script Corpora.
-- Bull anthropomorphs, Kubera of navanidhi fame and Citragupta, accountant.
-- Citragupta is born of kāya, 'the body of Brahma' and hence, called kāyasta, 'guild of merchants'.
-- The name citragupta is instructive; citra signifies hieroglyphic writing and gupta signifies a cipher and is a synonym of mlecchita vikalpa'alternative messaging by mleccha,meluhha'copper artisans, dialect-speakers who mispronounce words and expressions'.
-- Lotus stalk held on the hands of Varuna, Kubera, Bull anthropomorphs, Citragupta signify tāmarasa'lotus' rebus: tāmra'copper'.
This monograph demonstrates that the Indus Script Cipher tradition continues into historical periods and evidenced on rendition of bull anthropomorphs, Kubera and Citragupta on sculptural friezes.
Bull anthropomorphs, Kubera, Citragupta sculptures hold lotus stalks to signify writing instruments. Hieroglyph: stalk: खोंड khōṇḍa A variety of जोंधळा., holcus sorghum (Marathi) Rebus: kō̃da कोँद 'potter's kiln' (Kashmiri) kāˊṇḍa (kāṇḍá -- TS.) m.n. ʻ single joint of a plant ʼ AV., ʻ arrow ʼ MBh., ʻ cluster, heap ʼ (in tr̥ṇa -- kāṇḍa -- Pāṇ. Kāś.). [Poss. connexion withgaṇḍa -- 2 makes prob. non -- Aryan origin (not with P. Tedesco Language 22, 190 < kr̥ntáti). Prob. ← Drav., cf. Tam. kaṇ ʻ joint of bamboo or sugarcane ʼ EWA i 197]Pa. kaṇḍa -- m.n. ʻ joint of stalk, stalk, arrow, lump ʼ; Pk. kaṁḍa -- , ˚aya -- m.n. ʻ knot of bough, bough, stick ʼ; Ash. kaṇ ʻ arrow ʼ, Kt. kåṇ, Wg. kāṇ, ãdotdot; Pr. kə̃, Dm. kā̆n; Paš. lauṛ. kāṇḍ, kāṇ, ar. kōṇ, kuṛ. kō̃, dar. kã̄ṛ ʻ arrow ʼ, kã̄ṛī ʻ torch ʼ; Shum. kō̃ṛ, kō̃ ʻ arrow ʼ, Gaw. kāṇḍ, kāṇ; Kho. kan ʻ tree, large bush ʼ; Bshk. kāˋ'n ʻ arrow ʼ, Tor. kan m., Sv. kã̄ṛa, Phal. kōṇ, Sh. gil. kōn f. (→ Ḍ. kōn, pl. kāna f.), pales. kōṇ; K. kã̄ḍ m. ʻ stalk of a reed, straw ʼ (kān m. ʻ arrow ʼ ← Sh.?); S. kānu m. ʻ arrow ʼ, ˚no m. ʻ reed ʼ, ˚nī f. ʻ topmost joint of the reed Sara, reed pen, stalk, straw, porcupine's quill ʼ; L. kānã̄ m. ʻ stalk of the reed Sara ʼ, ˚nī˜ f. ʻ pen, small spear ʼ; P. kānnā m. ʻ the reed Saccharum munja, reed in a weaver's warp ʼ, kānī f. ʻ arrow ʼ; WPah. bhal. kān n. ʻ arrow ʼ, jaun. kã̄ḍ; N. kã̄ṛ ʻ arrow ʼ, ˚ṛo ʻ rafter ʼ; A. kã̄r ʻ arrow ʼ; B. kã̄ṛ ʻ arrow ʼ, ˚ṛā ʻ oil vessel made of bamboo joint, needle of bamboo for netting ʼ, kẽṛiyā ʻ wooden or earthen vessel for oil &c. ʼ; Or. kāṇḍa, kã̄ṛ ʻ stalk, arrow ʼ; Bi. kã̄ṛā ʻ stem of muñja grass (used for thatching) ʼ; Mth. kã̄ṛ ʻ stack of stalks of large millet ʼ, kã̄ṛī ʻ wooden milkpail ʼ; Bhoj. kaṇḍā ʻ reeds ʼ; H. kã̄ṛī f. ʻ rafter, yoke ʼ, kaṇḍā m. ʻ reed, bush ʼ (← EP.?); G. kã̄ḍ m. ʻ joint, bough, arrow ʼ, ˚ḍũ n. ʻ wrist ʼ, ˚ḍī f. ʻ joint, bough, arrow, lucifer match ʼ; M. kã̄ḍ n. ʻ trunk, stem ʼ, ˚ḍẽ n. ʻ joint, knot, stem, straw ʼ, ˚ḍī f. ʻ joint of sugarcane, shoot of root (of ginger, &c.) ʼ; Si. kaḍaya ʻ arrow ʼ. -- Deriv. A. kāriyāiba ʻ to shoot with an arrow ʼ.(CDIAL 3023) Rebus: kanda 'fire-altar'.Rebus: kāṇḍā '(metal) equipment'.
What does a Bull anthroporph signify? dangra 'bull' *ḍaṅgara1 ʻ cattle ʼ. 2. *daṅgara -- . [Same as ḍaṅ- gara -- 2 s.v. *ḍagga -- 2 as a pejorative term for cattle] 1. K. ḍangur m. ʻ bullock ʼ, L. ḍaṅgur, (Ju.) ḍ̠ãgar m. ʻ horned cattle ʼ; P. ḍaṅgar m. ʻ cattle ʼ, Or. ḍaṅgara; Bi. ḍã̄gar ʻ old worn -- out beast, dead cattle ʼ, dhūr ḍã̄gar ʻ cattle in general ʼ; Bhoj. ḍāṅgar ʻ cattle ʼ; H. ḍã̄gar, ḍã̄grā m. ʻ horned cattle ʼ.2. H. dã̄gar m. = prec.(CDIAL 5526) rebus: dhangar 'blacksmith' (Maithili) became thākur, 'blacksmith' and later royalty. Sculptures of bull anthropomorphs are also shown carrying lotus stalks signifying reed-pens as writing instruments. ṭhakkura m. ʻ idol, deity (cf. ḍhakkārī -- ), ʼ lex., ʻ title ʼ Rājat. [Dis- cussion with lit. by W. Wüst RM 3, 13 ff. Prob. orig. a tribal name EWA i 459, which Wüst considers nonAryan borrowing of śākvará -- : very doubtful] Pk. ṭhakkura -- m. ʻ Rajput, chief man of a village ʼ; Kho. (Lor.) takur ʻ barber ʼ (= ṭ˚ ← Ind.?), Sh. ṭhăkŭr m.; K. ṭhôkur m. ʻ idol ʼ ( ← Ind.?); S. ṭhakuru m. ʻ fakir, term of address between fathers of a husband and wife ʼ; P. ṭhākar m. ʻ landholder ʼ, ludh. ṭhaukar m. ʻ lord ʼ; Ku. ṭhākur m. ʻ master, title of a Rajput ʼ; N. ṭhākur ʻ term of address from slave to master ʼ (f. ṭhakurāni), ṭhakuri ʻ a clan of Chetris ʼ (f. ṭhakurni); A. ṭhākur ʻ a Brahman ʼ, ṭhākurānī ʻ goddess ʼ; B. ṭhākurāni, ṭhākrān, ˚run ʻ honoured lady, goddess ʼ; Or. ṭhākura ʻ term of address to a Brahman, god, idol ʼ, ṭhākurāṇī ʻ goddess ʼ; Bi. ṭhākur ʻ barber ʼ; Mth. ṭhākur ʻ blacksmith ʼ; Bhoj. Aw.lakh. ṭhākur ʻ lord, master ʼ; H. ṭhākur m. ʻ master, landlord, god, idol ʼ, ṭhākurāin, ṭhā̆kurānī f. ʻ mistress, goddess ʼ; G. ṭhākor, ˚kar m. ʻ member of a clan of Rajputs ʼ, ṭhakrāṇī f. ʻ his wife ʼ, ṭhākor ʻ god, idol ʼ; M. ṭhākur m. ʻ jungle tribe in North Konkan, family priest, god, idol ʼ; Si. mald. "tacourou"ʻ title added to names of noblemen ʼ (HJ 915) prob. ← Ind.Addenda: ṭhakkura -- : Garh. ṭhākur ʻ master ʼ; A. ṭhākur also ʻ idol ʼ (CDIAL 5488)
The vāhana of Kubera is a mongoose. This hieroglyph signifies
Hieroglyph: magguśa'mongoose' rebus: maṅginī 'ship'; mañci a large sort of boat, single-masted Pattimar in coasting trade, holding 10-40 tons. He is shown holding a lotus stalk and carries a purse of mongoose skin, signifying him as a seafaring merchant creating the wealth and treasures of a nation.
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Portrait of Abdul Karim (the Munshi) by Rudolf Swoboda.This is cognate with Persian word "Munshi (Urdu: مُنشی; Hindi: मुंशी; Bengali: মুন্সী) is a Persian word, originally used for a contractor, writer, or secretary, and later used in the Mughal Empire and British India for native language teachers, teachers of various subjects especially administrative principles, religious texts, science, and philosophy and were also secretaries and translators employed by Europeans." (Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). . Encyclopædia Britannica. 19 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munshi
RV VIII.21.18
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Holds lotus stalk, noose, stands on makara. Makara is a composite animal composed of hieroglyphs: crocodile, elephant trunk, feline paws, fish-fins;the Meluhha rebus readings are: (dh)mākara 'composite animal' rebus: dhmākara 'bellows-blower, blacksmith'; kara 'crocodile' rebus: khar 'blacksmith'; karibha, ibha 'elephant' rebus: karba, ib 'iron'; panja 'feline paws' rebus: panja 'kiln, furnace'; aya 'fish' rebus: aya 'iron' ayas 'alloy metal' aya khambhaṛā 'fih-fin' rebus: aya kammaṭa 'iron mint, coiner, coinage'.
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Holds lotus stalk, next to mongoose![]()
Kubera, hholding mace, lotus stalk, and a mongoose skin purse, with unidentified animal by his side, Jagadambi Temple![]()
Seated Kubera, with cup, mongoose purse, and lotus stalks, with pots by his side, Kandariya Mahadev Temple
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One of the Ashta Vasus, holding trishul, lotus stalk and Kamandalu, with fire by his side, Chitragupta Temple![]()
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One of the Ashta Vasus, holding lotus stalk and scroll, Chitragupta Temple
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चित्र--गुप्त m. N. of one of यम's attendants (recorder of every man's good and evil deeds) महाभारत, xiii, स्कन्द-पुराण, नारदीय-पुराण, वराह-पुराण,बादरायण 's ब्रह्म-सूत्र iii , 1 , 15, Sāyaṇa, कथासरित्सागर lxxii ; a secretary of a man of rank (kind of mixed caste) (Monier-Williams) citra चित्र a. [चित्र्-भावे अच्; चि-ष्ट्रन् वा Uṇ.4.163] 1 Bright, clear. -2 Variegated, spotted, diversified. -3 amusing, interesting, agreeable; Māl.1.4. -4 Various, different, manifold; Pt.1.136; Ms.9.248; Y.1.288. -5 Surprising, wonderful, strange; किमत्र चित्रम् R.5.33; Ś.2.15. -6 Perceptible, visible. -7 Conspicuous, excellent, distinguished; न यद्वचश्चित्रपदं हरेर्यशो जगत्पवित्रं प्रगृणीत कर्हिचित् Bhāg.1.5.1. -8 Rough, agitated (as the sea, opp सम). -9 Clear, loud, perceptible (as a sound). -गुप्तः one of the beings in Yama's world recording the vices and virtues of mankind; नामान्येषां लिखामि ध्रुवमहम- धुना चित्रगुप्तः प्रमार्ष्टु Mu.1.2. (Apte)
"Chitragupta (Sanskrit: चित्रगुप्त, 'rich in secrets' or 'hidden picture') is a Hindu god assigned with the task of keeping complete records of actions of human beings on the earth. He is god of justice. Upon their death, Chitragupta has the task of deciding heaven or the hell for the humans, depending on their actions on the earth. Chitragupta Maharaj (Chitragupta The Kshatriya king) is the patron deity of Kayasthas, a Hindu caste of India and Nepal...Lord Brahma commanded him to keep better track of everyone, and Yama declared that he could not reasonably be expected to keep track of the many people born of the eighty-four hundred thousand different life forms of planet Earth.
Lord Brahma, determined to solve this problem for Yama, sat in meditation for many thousands of years. Finally he opened his eyes, and a man stood before him with a pen and paper. As Chitragupta was born of Brahma's body or kaya in Sanskrit, Brahma declared that his children would forever be known as Kayasthas. Chitragupta is sometimes also referred to as the first man to use letters, and is hailed that way in the Garuḍa Purāṇa. He is known as being incredibly meticulous, and with his pen and paper he tracks every action of every sentient life form, building up a record of them over the course of their life so that when they die the fate of their soul can be easily determined. These perfect and complete documents are referred to in mystical traditions as the Akashic records, and as they contain the actions of each person from birth to death, they can be said to contain every action taken in the universe.,,Items associated with Chitragupta in his puja include the paper and pen, ink, honey, betel nut, matches, mustard, ginger, jaggery, sugar, sandalwood, and frankincense. A puja is often performed to Chitragupta in reverence of the four virtues he is seen to embody: justice, peace, literacy, and knowledge. Part of the Chitragupta puja also includes writing down how much money you make in your household, and how much you need to make to survive in the following year, while making offerings of turmeric, flowers, and vermilion...Yama Samhita...The god Brahma (creator) said: "Because you are sprung from my body (kaya), therefore you shall be called Kayastha and as you existed in my body unseen I give you the name of Chitragupta." He then assumed charge of Yamapuri...progenitors of the twelve subdivisions of the Chitraguptavansi Kayasthas, namely Saxena, Mathur, Gaur, Nigam, Ashthana, Kulshrestha, Suryadwaja, Bhatnagar, Ambastha, Shrivastava, Karna and Vaalmik..Chitragupta is hailed as the first man to give the script....Chitragupta namastubhyam vedākṣaradātre (Obeisance to Chitragupta, the giver of letters)...The birthday of Chitragupta is celebrated on Yama Dwitiya and Chitraguptajayanti Puja is performed on this day..A more than 300-year-old very famous temple of Shri Chitra Gupta is located in the centre of city in Alwar, Alwar, Rajasthan where an annual fair is held for darshan and worship of chitraguptaji, between Dhantriyodashi to Yam Dwitia in the Hindu month of Kartic(October–November).to celebrate the chitragupta jayanti, on Yama Dwitiya."
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Khajuraho India, Chitragupta Temple. Based on the epigraphic evidence, the construction of the temple can be dated to 1020-1025 CE. It was probably consecrated on 23 February 1023 CE, on the occasion of Shivaratri.
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Chitragupta or Bharatji"s Temple
"This is the only local temple dedicated to Surya and is situated about 91 m to the north of the Jagadambi temple and 183 m south-east of an ancient (Chandella) three storied stepped tank, known as the Chopra. In respect of plan, design, dimensions and decorative scheme this temple closely resembles the Jagadambi and consists of a sanctum without ambulatory, vestibule, maha-mandapa with lateral transepts and entrance-porch, the last being completely restored above the original plinth. The octagonal ceiling of its maha-mandapa marks an elaboration over the square plan and thus appears to be relatively more ornate and developed than Jagadambi and may consequently be slightly later in date. The main image enshrined in the sanctum represents an impressive sculpture of standing Surya driving in a chariot of seven horses. Three similar but smaller figures of Surya are depicted on the lintel of the ornate doorway. The temple walls are also carved with some of the finest figures of sura-sundaris, erotic couples and gods including an eleven-headed Vishnu. The sculptures on this temple. as on the Jagadambi, approximate those of the Visvanatha in style. The same affinity is visible with regard to the architectural and decorative motifs. The Jagdambi and the Chitragupta temples are, therefore, stylistically placed between the Visvanatha and the Kandariya and are assignable to circa 1000-25."
![Complete Guide to Khajuraho (17)]()
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Brahma and his consort. Surasundari. Chitragupta Temple, Khajuraho.
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There is also a sculpture of Shiva's attendant Nandi, who is shown with a human body and a bull's head. A clear indicator of an anthropomorph: dangra 'bull' rebus: dhangar 'blacksmith'.
http://asibhopal.nic.in/monument/chhatarpur_khajuraho_chitragupta.html#
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Chitragupta temple, Kanchipuram
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Yama's Court and Hell. The Blue figure is Yama with Yami and Chitragupta, 17th-century painting
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A large central panel portrays Yamathe god of death (often referred to as Dharma) seated on a throne; to the left stands a demon. To the right of Yama sits Chitragupta, assigned with keeping detailed records of every human being and upon their death deciding how they are to be reincarnated, depending on their previous actions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitragupta
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Citragupta is a quintessential accountant, a keeper of accounts, wealth-accounting ledgers. This tradition is traceable to R̥gveda and Indus Script Corpora.
-- Bull anthropomorphs, Kubera of navanidhi fame and Citragupta, accountant.
-- Citragupta is born of kāya, 'the body of Brahma' and hence, called kāyasta, 'guild of merchants'.
-- The name citragupta is instructive; citra signifies hieroglyphic writing and gupta signifies a cipher and is a synonym of mlecchita vikalpa'alternative messaging by mleccha,meluhha'copper artisans, dialect-speakers who mispronounce words and expressions'.
-- Lotus stalk held on the hands of Varuna, Kubera, Bull anthropomorphs, Citragupta signify tāmarasa'lotus' rebus: tāmra'copper'.
This monograph demonstrates that the Indus Script Cipher tradition continues into historical periods and evidenced on rendition of bull anthropomorphs, Kubera and Citragupta on sculptural friezes.
Bull anthropomorphs, Kubera, Citragupta sculptures hold lotus stalks to signify writing instruments. Hieroglyph: stalk: खोंड khōṇḍa A variety of जोंधळा., holcus sorghum (Marathi) Rebus: kō̃da कोँद 'potter's kiln' (Kashmiri) kāˊṇḍa (kāṇḍá -- TS.) m.n. ʻ single joint of a plant ʼ AV., ʻ arrow ʼ MBh., ʻ cluster, heap ʼ (in tr̥ṇa -- kāṇḍa -- Pāṇ. Kāś.). [Poss. connexion with
What does a Bull anthroporph signify? dangra 'bull' *ḍaṅgara
The vāhana of Kubera is a mongoose. This hieroglyph signifies
Hieroglyph: magguśa'mongoose' rebus: maṅginī 'ship'; mañci a large sort of boat, single-masted Pattimar in coasting trade, holding 10-40 tons. He is shown holding a lotus stalk and carries a purse of mongoose skin, signifying him as a seafaring merchant creating the wealth and treasures of a nation.
Hieroglyph: maggūśa m. ʻ mongoose ʼ Bhoj., madguśa -- m. Hem. [← Drav. DED 4014]Pk. maṁgū˘sa -- , muggasa -- , muggusu -- , maṁkusa -- m. ʻ mongoose ʼ, H. mãgūs, mũgūs m., . mãgūs, mũgas, mũgūs m.(CDIAL 9702) Ta. mūṅkā mongoose, Viverra ichneumon. Ka. muṅgi, muṅgisi, muṅguli, muṅgili, muṅgali, muṅguri. Tu. muṅgili, muṅguli, muṅgilè. Te. muṅgi, muṅgisa. Kol. muŋgus. Nk. muŋśak. Nk. (Ch.) muŋgus. Ga. (S.2 ) muŋgi pōtu. Go. (Tr.) mungus, (Y.) muŋgus, (S.) muŋsi, (A.) mugus (Voc. 2870); (ASu.) muggūs. Konḍa muŋgi, muŋgi elka. Kuwi (P.) muŋgi orli. / Cf. Skt. (Hem. Uṇ.) madguśa-, (Bhoj. Uṇ.) magguśa-, Pkt. maṃgusa-, muggasa-, muggusu-, H. mũgūs, mãgūs, Mar. mũgūs, mũgas, Sgh. mugaṭi; Turner, CDIAL, no. 9702. (DEDR 4900) Rebus:maṅga m.n. ʻ head of a boat, mast or side of a ship ʼ lex. (maṅginī -- f. ʻ ship ʼ HPariś.). [Cf. *majjhika -- ?]H. mãg m. ʻ head of a boat ʼ, mãgrā m. ʻ ridgepole ʼ. (CDIAL 9705) Ta. mañci cargo boat with a raised platform; vañci canoe. Ma. mañci a large sort of boat, single-masted Pattimar in coasting trade, holding 10-40 tons; vañci a large boat. Ka. mañji a large boat with one mast used in coasting trade; (Bark.) maccïve a kind of boat. Tu. mañji a long boat, a single-masted country vessel. / Possibly < IA; Turner, CDIAL, no. 9715, mañca- stage, platform.(DEDR 4638)
Portrait of Abdul Karim (the Munshi) by Rudolf Swoboda.This is cognate with Persian word "Munshi (Urdu: مُنشی; Hindi: मुंशी; Bengali: মুন্সী) is a Persian word, originally used for a contractor, writer, or secretary, and later used in the Mughal Empire and British India for native language teachers, teachers of various subjects especially administrative principles, religious texts, science, and philosophy and were also secretaries and translators employed by Europeans." (Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). . Encyclopædia Britannica. 19 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MunshiRV VIII.21.18
Griffith RV. VIII.21.18 Citra is King, and only kinglings are the rest who dwell beside Sarasvati.
He, like Parjanya with his rain, hath spread himself with thousand, yea, with myriad gifts.
Wilson: 8.021.18Verily the Ra_ja_ Citra, giving his thousands and tens of thousands, has overspread (with his bounty) those other petty princes, who rules along the Sarasvati_, as Parjanya (overspeads the earth) with rain.
Varuna on Khajuraho temples
Holds lotus stalk, noose, stands on makara. Makara is a composite animal composed of hieroglyphs: crocodile, elephant trunk, feline paws, fish-fins;the Meluhha rebus readings are: (dh)mākara 'composite animal' rebus: dhmākara 'bellows-blower, blacksmith'; kara 'crocodile' rebus: khar 'blacksmith'; karibha, ibha 'elephant' rebus: karba, ib 'iron'; panja 'feline paws' rebus: panja 'kiln, furnace'; aya 'fish' rebus: aya 'iron' ayas 'alloy metal' aya khambhaṛā 'fih-fin' rebus: aya kammaṭa 'iron mint, coiner, coinage'.Kubera on Khajuraho temples
Holds lotus stalk, next to mongoose
Kubera, hholding mace, lotus stalk, and a mongoose skin purse, with unidentified animal by his side, Jagadambi Temple
Seated Kubera, with cup, mongoose purse, and lotus stalks, with pots by his side, Kandariya Mahadev TempleWho's this anthropomorph with a bull's head on Khajuraho temples?
 One of the Ashta Vasus, holding two lotus stalks, Javari temple |
One of the Ashta Vasus, holding trishul, lotus stalk and Kamandalu, with fire by his side, Chitragupta Temple
One of the Ashta Vasus, holding lotus stalk and scroll, Chitragupta Temple
| Chitragupta in Bangkok City Pillar ShrineThailand. | |
| Affiliation | Deva |
|---|---|
| Mantra | ॐ श्री चित्रगुप्ताय नमः (Oṃ shri chitraguptaay Namaḥ) |
| Weapon | lekhani (Pen), Katani (Ink) and sword |
| Personal information | |
| Consort | shobhawati |
| Parents | Brahma (father) Saraswati (mother) |
| Siblings | Four Kumaras, Narada, Daksha |
"Chitragupta (Sanskrit: चित्रगुप्त, 'rich in secrets' or 'hidden picture') is a Hindu god assigned with the task of keeping complete records of actions of human beings on the earth. He is god of justice. Upon their death, Chitragupta has the task of deciding heaven or the hell for the humans, depending on their actions on the earth. Chitragupta Maharaj (Chitragupta The Kshatriya king) is the patron deity of Kayasthas, a Hindu caste of India and Nepal...Lord Brahma commanded him to keep better track of everyone, and Yama declared that he could not reasonably be expected to keep track of the many people born of the eighty-four hundred thousand different life forms of planet Earth.
Lord Brahma, determined to solve this problem for Yama, sat in meditation for many thousands of years. Finally he opened his eyes, and a man stood before him with a pen and paper. As Chitragupta was born of Brahma's body or kaya in Sanskrit, Brahma declared that his children would forever be known as Kayasthas. Chitragupta is sometimes also referred to as the first man to use letters, and is hailed that way in the Garuḍa Purāṇa. He is known as being incredibly meticulous, and with his pen and paper he tracks every action of every sentient life form, building up a record of them over the course of their life so that when they die the fate of their soul can be easily determined. These perfect and complete documents are referred to in mystical traditions as the Akashic records, and as they contain the actions of each person from birth to death, they can be said to contain every action taken in the universe.,,Items associated with Chitragupta in his puja include the paper and pen, ink, honey, betel nut, matches, mustard, ginger, jaggery, sugar, sandalwood, and frankincense. A puja is often performed to Chitragupta in reverence of the four virtues he is seen to embody: justice, peace, literacy, and knowledge. Part of the Chitragupta puja also includes writing down how much money you make in your household, and how much you need to make to survive in the following year, while making offerings of turmeric, flowers, and vermilion...Yama Samhita...The god Brahma (creator) said: "Because you are sprung from my body (kaya), therefore you shall be called Kayastha and as you existed in my body unseen I give you the name of Chitragupta." He then assumed charge of Yamapuri...progenitors of the twelve subdivisions of the Chitraguptavansi Kayasthas, namely Saxena, Mathur, Gaur, Nigam, Ashthana, Kulshrestha, Suryadwaja, Bhatnagar, Ambastha, Shrivastava, Karna and Vaalmik..Chitragupta is hailed as the first man to give the script....Chitragupta namastubhyam vedākṣaradātre (Obeisance to Chitragupta, the giver of letters)...The birthday of Chitragupta is celebrated on Yama Dwitiya and Chitraguptajayanti Puja is performed on this day..A more than 300-year-old very famous temple of Shri Chitra Gupta is located in the centre of city in Alwar, Alwar, Rajasthan where an annual fair is held for darshan and worship of chitraguptaji, between Dhantriyodashi to Yam Dwitia in the Hindu month of Kartic(October–November).to celebrate the chitragupta jayanti, on Yama Dwitiya."
Khajuraho India, Chitragupta Temple. Based on the epigraphic evidence, the construction of the temple can be dated to 1020-1025 CE. It was probably consecrated on 23 February 1023 CE, on the occasion of Shivaratri.
Chitragupta or Bharatji"s Temple "This is the only local temple dedicated to Surya and is situated about 91 m to the north of the Jagadambi temple and 183 m south-east of an ancient (Chandella) three storied stepped tank, known as the Chopra. In respect of plan, design, dimensions and decorative scheme this temple closely resembles the Jagadambi and consists of a sanctum without ambulatory, vestibule, maha-mandapa with lateral transepts and entrance-porch, the last being completely restored above the original plinth. The octagonal ceiling of its maha-mandapa marks an elaboration over the square plan and thus appears to be relatively more ornate and developed than Jagadambi and may consequently be slightly later in date. The main image enshrined in the sanctum represents an impressive sculpture of standing Surya driving in a chariot of seven horses. Three similar but smaller figures of Surya are depicted on the lintel of the ornate doorway. The temple walls are also carved with some of the finest figures of sura-sundaris, erotic couples and gods including an eleven-headed Vishnu. The sculptures on this temple. as on the Jagadambi, approximate those of the Visvanatha in style. The same affinity is visible with regard to the architectural and decorative motifs. The Jagdambi and the Chitragupta temples are, therefore, stylistically placed between the Visvanatha and the Kandariya and are assignable to circa 1000-25."
Brahma and his consort. Surasundari. Chitragupta Temple, Khajuraho. There is also a sculpture of Shiva's attendant Nandi, who is shown with a human body and a bull's head. A clear indicator of an anthropomorph: dangra 'bull' rebus: dhangar 'blacksmith'.http://asibhopal.nic.in/monument/chhatarpur_khajuraho_chitragupta.html#
Chitragupta temple, Kanchipuram
Shrine for Chitragupta
The Utsava idols of Lord Chitragupta, who is believed to grace the devotee with prosperity, and his Consort...
THE TEMPLE town of Kanchipuram, in Tamil Nadu, which has 108 Siva temples and 18 famous Divyadesa Vaishnava temples, has also been blessed with a unique and separate temple for Chitragupta, the chief minister and chief accountant of Lord Yama (the God of Death), on Nellukara Street, in the heart of the town. There is no other separate shrine for Chitragupta.
Chitragupta, created by Lord Brahma through the Sun God, is the younger brother of Yama. He keeps track of all the good and bad deeds of human beings and sends them to `heaven' or `hell' after death.
According to archaeologists, the Chitragupta temple was built in Kanchipuram during the Chola period (Ninth Century) and is being maintained by a particular community of Kanchipuram from time immemorial.
The presiding deity (moolavar) is seen in a sitting posture holding the ezhuthaani (pen) in his right hand and a palm leaf in left symbolising his nature of work. The utsava panchaloka idol of Chitragupta is seen with His consort Karnikambal. It is believed that Lord Chitragupta is the Athi Devathai for Kethu, one of the Navagrahas, and those who worship Chitragupta at this temple, would be bestowed with prosperity. Also the evil effects of Kethu during its transit period would be mitigated. However, according to astrologers, Lord Vinayaka is the Prathi Devathaifor Kethu and would also mitigate the evil effects of Kethu.
S. Kumaraswamy, the trustee of Sri Chitragupta Swamy Temple, says, that a large number of devotees come to the temple and perform abishekams and pujas, especially during Pournami (full moon) every month. Chitra Pournami is celebrated as a grand festival in the temple every year. This year it falls on April 16.
Pics. by A. Muralitharan
Chitragupta Temple... one of its kind
He says that a number of devotees had told him that Lord Chitragupta had fulfilled their prayers.He says that two small panchaloka idols of Chitragupta with His Consort Karnikambal were found while the ground around the temple was dug for carrying out repairs, in February 1911. But these idols could not be used for worship because of minor damages. However, they are being kept along with the presiding deity. The last kumbabhishekam of the temple was performed on July 14, 1918. Later, some repair works were carried out in August 1944. Several deities including Navagrahas, Durga and Vinayakar were installed in the temple.
According to the Puranas, Lord Yama requested Lord Siva to get Him an intelligent chief minister and chief accountant for looking after the good and bad deeds committed by the human beings.
Lord Siva in turn told Brahma, and Chitragupta was born to the Sun God and Neeladevi.
K. SUBRAMANIAN
https://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/04/18/stories/2003041801260800.htm
Yama's Court and Hell. The Blue figure is Yama with Yami and Chitragupta, 17th-century painting
A large central panel portrays Yamathe god of death (often referred to as Dharma) seated on a throne; to the left stands a demon. To the right of Yama sits Chitragupta, assigned with keeping detailed records of every human being and upon their death deciding how they are to be reincarnated, depending on their previous actions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitragupta
The Power of 8 - The Ashta Dikpalas and Ashta Vasus at Khajuraho -- Anu Shankar
The four cardinal directions form the axis on which a temple is built, and are thus the basis of temple architecture. Leading from them are the eight directions, which are believed to be guarded by the eight guardians, or Ashta Dikpalas. In the temples of Khajuraho, great care has been taken by the sculptors to carve the Ashta Dikpalas on the walls, both inside and outside. They not only guard the temple, but also look over us as we circumambulate the shrine, protecting us by their presence. They are augmented by the Ashta Vasus, celestial beings which represent natural phenomena. Together, they enhance the idea of the temple as cosmos, enfolding within it, all the aspects of nature, both, on earth, as well in space.
The Ashta Dikpalas are seen on both, the inner and outer walls of the temples at Khajuraho. They are shown in various niches, seated as well as standing. Let me take you on a visual tour of the Dikpalas at Khajuraho…..
Indra, the king of the gods, is the guardian of the East. Indra is among the most important deties in the Vedas, and he is associated with lightning, thunder and rain. He is usually shown holding his Vajra (thunderbolt) and with his elephant, Airavata. The East is considered an auspicious direction, due to the rising of the sun. Besides, Indra is the god of rain, and rain being crucial to life, he is shown on the eastern wall of temples.
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Indra, holding a Vajra in his right hand, with elephant by his side. Kandariya Mahadev Temple |
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Indra, identified by the placement, and elephant by his side, Chitragupta Temple |
Agni, the god of Fire, is the guardian of the South-East. Agni is one of the major gods in the Vedas, and, as fire, is the one who accepts offerings on behalf of the gods. As one of the oldest gods, he is depicted with a moustache and/or a beard, and is shown as being fat, since he consumes everything. His vehicle, the ram, is also usually shown next to him.
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Agni, pot bellied, with beard and mustache, holding a lamp and parchment, with a Ram by his side. Kandariya Mahadev Temple |
Yama, the god of death, is the guardian of the South. He is shown riding a buffalo, or with the buffalo next to him, and in his hands, he carries a noose and a staff or danda. Sometimes, he also has a bird in his hand or on his shoulder. It could either be a pigeon or a crow, both of which are said to be his messengers.
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Yama, holding staff, damru, and bird, with a buffaloby his side, Kandariya Mahadev Temple |
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Yama, with skull cup and buffalo by his feet, Duladeo Temple. The hair fanning out is typical of sculptures in this temple. |
Nritti is the guardian of the South-West. The name Nritti comes from “na-rti” or the absence of rules. Thus, Nritti depicts the one who is wild, who does not follow any rules. According to Wikipedia, Nritti is a goddess, while Nritta is one of the forms of Rudra or Shiva. At Khajuraho, however, Nritti is depicted as a nude male, holding a snake and a sword, with a man lying by his side, or under him. It thus appears that he is considered here a form of Shiva.
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Nritti, nude, holding sword and shield, with a human figure at his feet (head broken), Jagadambi Temple |
Varuna is the god of water, and the guardian of the West. He is shown with his vahana, the Makara(crocodile), and holding a lotus stalk, and a noose.
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Varuna, holding a noose and lotus stalk in two of his hands, standing on his mount, the Makara or crocodile, Javari Temple |
Vayu is the god of wind, and the guardian of the North-West. His vahana or vehicle is the antelope, and he is shown holding a cloth in two of his arms, flying behind him, depicting air.
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Vayu, with the antelope at his feet, looking up, Kandariya Mahadev Temple |
Kubera, the god of wealth, is the guardian of the North. Kubera is a Yaksha, closely associated with the earth, and all her treasures. He is usually depicted as short and fat, holding a money purse and club/mace in his hand. Early sculptures show him with a mongoose skin purse, or a mongoose over his shoulder, and sometimes with an elephant. There are also pots shown by his side.
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Kubera, hholding mace, lotus stalk, and a mongoose skin purse, with unidentified animal by his side, Jagadambi Temple |
| Kubera, with mongoose skin purse over his shoulder, and pots near his feet, Chaturbhuja Temple |
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Seated Kubera, with cup, mongoose purse, and lotus stalks, with pots by his side, Kandariya Mahadev Temple |
Isana is the guardian of the North-East. He is a form of Shiva, considered to be one of his five aspects. He is depicted in a manner similar to Shiva, except that he has at least one hand in varada mudra, or benevolent pose.
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Isana, Lakshmana Temple |
The Ashta Dikpalas or guardians of the eight directions, are placed on the walls corresponding to their directions. Thus, Indra is seen on the Eastern wall of the temple, Agni on the South East wall, or the South East corner, and so on, thus facing the direction they represent. This is true not just of Khajuraho, but of many ancient temples. If you are visiting any, try to get an idea of the direction, and then identify the sculptures. Believe me, it helps!
Another group of eight figures seen on the walls of the temples at Khajuraho are the Ashta Vasus.
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One of the Ashta Vasus, holding lotus stalk and scroll, Chitragupta Temple |
The Ashta Vasus are a set of eight celestial beings, representing different aspects of nature, or natural phenomena. They are: Dhara (earth), Anala (fire), Anila (wind), Aha (space), Pratyusha (twilight), Prabhasa(dawn), Soma (moon) and Dhruva (pole-star).
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One of the Ashta Vasus, holding trishul, lotus stalk and Kamandalu, with fire by his side, Chitragupta Temple |
In the Mahabharata, the Ashta Vasus are celestial beings, who, prompted by one of their wives, steal the cow of sage Vashishta. The sage, in his anger, curses them to be born as humans, and experience the struggles of a human life. Aghast at the result of their prank, they apologise, and the sage modifies his curse. The 8 brothers persuade Ganga to give birth to them, and throw them into the river as soon as they are born, thus relieving them from the curse, as per the sage’s words. However, the brother primarily responsible for the theft has no choice but to bear the curse in its entirety, for not just himself, but all his brothers. He is born to Ganga, but lives on, first named Devavrata, and later called Bhishma. He lives through generations of his clan, forced to watch sons and grandsons die, before he himself can leave his human body.
However, there is another caveat to the curse – the 8 brothers are always shown with bovine faces (face of a cow) as a reminder of their crime.
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Top: One of the Ashta Vasus; Bottom: Agni Duladeo Temple |
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Top: One of the Ashta Vasus; Bottom: Yama Vamana Temple |
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One of the Ashta Vasus, Javari Temple |
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One of the Ashta Vasus, holding two lotus stalks, Javari Temple |
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Top: One of the Ashta Vasus, Bottom: Kubera, Vamana Temple |
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Top: One of the Ashta Vasus; Bottom: Nritti, notice the human he is standing on.. Javari Temple |
While the story of the Ashta Vasus is something I was familiar with, the story of their bovine faces was new to me. It was only thanks to Dr. Kirit Mankodi, whom I met at Jnananpravaha Mumbai, and who very helpfully clarified my doubts, that I learnt the identity of the bull-faced figures seen all over the temples. He also helped with the identification of Kubera, whom I had never seen with a mongoose before, as well as a number of other figures I have yet to write about.