CONTENTS:- I. Literature: 1. Introduction. 2. Vidyadharas in ancient literature. 3. The iconography. 4. Attributes and ornaments of Vidyadharas. 5. Vidyas and attainments of Vidyas. 6. Different kinds of attire and emblems of Vidyadharas belonging to different Nikayas. 7. Vidyadharas and performing arts. 8. Vidyadharas and their physical features. 9. Vidyadharas and their marital status. 10. Vidyadharas and their divine associations. II. Art: 1. Iconographic traits of Vidyadharas. 2. Vidyadharas and Vidyadharis in North Indian sculptures. 3. Vidyadharas as attendant deity. 4. Vidyadharas in human form. 5. Various modes of representation. 6. Clouds. 7. Number of attending Vidyadharas. 8. Various attributes. 9. Various locations of representation. 10. Appearance. 11. Coiffure, costumes and ornaments.
DESCRIPTION
Vidyadhara-a semi divine being often seen relieved on either side of the images of deities (Brahmanical, Buddhist and Jaina). They are also found relieved on the walls of temples. Their fascinating figures were quite popular. Curiously enough, this popular semi divine being which appeared so frequently, remained less explained in the books related to iconography and sculptures. In this book an attempt has been made to explain in detail their identities, their symbolisms, their functions and their artistic delineations with the idea to establish these semi divine deities in their proper perspective.
