The Upper World and the Gods of the Heavenly Palaces (Vaimanikas)

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The Upper World and the Gods of the Heavenly Palaces (Vaimanikas)

1663-1664

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

The fourth and highest class of gods are called vaimanika--those who inhabit heavenly palaces. They dwell in the lower levels of the heavens, which are arranged vertically above the sky; additional levels reach to the top of the universe--the "umbrella of perfection." Each of the lower layers contains numerous palaces (vimanas) where gods live out their time before rebirth, and at the center of each lies the palace where a god Indra rules. Indra is shown here on each level conversing with his chief wife.

As the gods dwell in higher levels, they become increasingly free of passions. At the highest of the ten levels is the abode of the five classes of perfected beings, indicated by a seated figure flanked by flags like those commonly placed at shrines in India.

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Object Details

Title:

The Upper World and the Gods of the Heavenly Palaces (Vaimanikas)
Page from a manuscript of the Sangrahanisutra

Date:

1663-1664

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor and ink on paper

Dimensions:

Sheet: 10 1/4 × 4 3/8 inches (26 × 11.1 cm)

Classification:

Books/Manuscripts/Information Artifacts

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Francis T. S. Darley Fund, 1935

Accession Number:

1935-34-11(4a,b)

Geography:

Made in Gujarat, India, Asia or made in Rajasthan, India, Asia

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