ASSYMETRICAL AMALGAMATION: IMBALANCED PORTRAYAL OF VISHNU AND SHIVA’S DIVINE ATTRIBUTES ON HARIHARA HEADGEARS DURING MAJAPAHIT ERA (13th – 15th CENTURY) IN JAVA

Abstract

Harihara statue is a unique object in the study of Classical Era in Java, mainly because it portrays Vishnu and Siva in one body. During Late Classical era in Indonesia (11th to 15th century AD), several depictions of Harihara were found in statues of kings and deities. A major thing that can be recognized from Harihara statue is the headgear. According to Silpasastra Manasara as canon in the visual portrayal of gods, since it represented the unity of two gods, Harihara statue is depicted with half jatamakuta and half kiritamakuta, each represents Vishnu and Siva. These portrayals are usually found in India and Cambodia. Nevertheless, in the Harihara statues found in East Java, while there are several variations of headgear, these characteristics are absent. This paper aims to highlight the issue, by focusing on the variations of the headgears and symbols attached to it, by using qualitative-descriptive method with iconographic approach. It is found that Harihara are portrayed with various crown attributed to Vishnu or Siva, while carrying the mixed symbols of the two gods. It is assumed related to the statue’s function as manifestation of Devaraja concept, that is to align the king’s image and characters with the image of the Gods. It also indicates the rise of Harihara sect during the era, that can be linked to the political purpose to unify the different beliefs and factions during that tumultuous period.