SCULPTURE AND SHILPINS
OF BHARAT
Introduction to Shilpa Shastra: The Sacred Grammar of Form
Shilpa Shastra is more than an ancient manual – it is the sacred grammar through which divine form is brought to life. Rooted in Vedic and Agamic wisdom, the Shilpa Shastras encompass sculpture, painting, and architecture as one harmonious science. Every Shilpa sculpture is governed by sacred proportion, not by imitation of nature, but by transcendence of it.
These treatises uphold tala-mana paddhati – precise systems of measurement that align earthly representations with cosmic order. Whether crafting a Hindu temple sculpture or shaping a deity’s serene gaze, the Shilpin is bound by these scriptures, guided by dhyana and seva.
Through this adherence, sculptural forms emerge not as static art, but as spiritual instruments. To study Shilpa Shastra is to begin a lifelong journey into the essence of Traditional Bharat sculpture.
Start Your Journey with Shilpa Shastra – Learn How
The Role of Natyasastra in Sculptural Design
Natyasastra, Bharatamuni’s revered treatise on performance and aesthetics, plays a pivotal role in the spiritual poise of Shilpa Shastra sculpture. It offers the principles of Sama – perfect balance, rhythm, and emotional rasa – which extend beyond dance into the realm of sculptural posture and expression.
Together, Shilpa Shastra and Natyasastra form a unified aesthetic and philosophical language that elevates each sculpture beyond form, into meaning.
Key influences of Natyasastra on sculpture:
- Sama-dristi (Balanced gaze): Eyes designed to hold stillness and invite contemplation.
- Bhangas (Body stances): Inspired by movement, yet sculpted in stillness.
- Mudras: Expressive hand gestures like abhaya (protection) and varada (blessing) imbue figures with divine intention.
- Rasa: The emotive essence that radiates through every carefully carved form.
Sculpture and Sthapathis of Bharat
In Bharat, sculpture was never decorative. It was devotional. From the stone-carvers of Ellora to the sthapathis of Hoysala temples, the shilpin was revered not merely as an artisan, but as a conduit of the divine.
Hoysala sculpture, in particular, reveals exquisite detail and spiritual rigour. Their temple carvings represent not only architectural mastery, but the fulfilment of sacred duty. Each form abides by Pratima-laksanam – the canon defining ideal iconography. Postures stem from Yoga Shastra; eyes are sculpted for stillness, limbs aligned to sacred geometry, each symbol – from conch to chakra – loaded with cosmic meaning.
This is the lineage we honour. This is the tradition we are reviving.
Cultural Restoration of Bharat’s Sculptures
Bharat’s sacred sculptures, weathered by time and historical rupture, are now returning to life. Our restoration efforts are not only technical but spiritual – a sacred yagna of cultural remembrance.
Highlights of our restoration mission:
- Reviving Hoysala architectural sculpture using canonical texts like Mayamata and Visnudharmottara Purana
- Before-and-after showcases of deities once eroded, now restored to divine form
- Shilpins guided by scripture, not speculation, ensuring every limb, mudra, and tala aligns with Shastric measure
Each restoration is a return to dharma – a gesture of reverence to our forebears, and a commitment to posterity.
Support the Revival – Donate to Sculptural Restoration
An unknown artist has tried to replicate the full form of a sandstone sculpture of Bharat, who suffered both trauma and travel, before coming home to its place of origin.
here is a reconstruction of the totally demolished Shiva-Pashupata-Lakulisha,the upward penis or Urdhva Linga represents Yogic Asceticism -The ‘Urdhva Retas’ symbolize upward flow of vital energy, its transmutation into mental power – Bodhichitta and Samadhi[peak meditative stage]
JOIN RE-SEARCH HINDU OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS!
JOIN RE-SEARCH HINDU
OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS!
A sacred movement calls you. We invite sculptors, artists, and seekers to participate in the revival of ancient Bharat sculptures through Shastric precision and spiritual dedication.
Purpose
To restore the soul of Bharat through sacred sculpture and uphold the integrity of Hindu iconography in sculpture.
Who Can Join
- Practicing or aspiring shilpins
- Students of Shilpa Shastra
- Artists devoted to dharma and cultural authenticity
How to Join
- Apply via our Artist Restoration Fellowship portal
- Submit a brief statement of intent and any past work
- Receive access to scripture-based training and collaborative workshops
Expected Contribution
Your time, your art, your commitment to sacred proportions in sculpture. In return, you become part of an unbroken civilisational stream.
Apply Now to the Artist Restoration Fellowship