makara

Glossaries

Term	Definition
makara	The makara is a mythical aquatic creature in Hindu and Buddhist art, often hybrid (crocodile, elephant, fish) and linked to protection and abundance. The makara is a mythological creature from Indian tradition, central to Hindu, Buddhist and sometimes Jain iconography. Aquatic by nature, it usually combines a crocodile or fish body with an elephant’s head or trunk, tusks, a curling tail, and occasionally fins or a dolphin-like snout. In Hinduism, the makara serves as the vahana (mount) of Varuna, god of the sea, and of Kamadeva, god of love, linking it both to primordial waters and fertility. In temple art, makarās appear at balustrade ends, water spouts, entrance arches (makara torana) and base friezes, acting as protectors against harmful forces and symbols of prosperity and fecundity. In Buddhist art, the makara adorns shrines as a benevolent threshold guardian. Its presence on façades recalls the vital power of water and natural abundance sustaining life.

Term

Definition

The makara is a mythical aquatic creature in Hindu and Buddhist art, often hybrid (crocodile, elephant, fish) and linked to protection and abundance.

The makara is a mythological creature from Indian tradition, central to Hindu, Buddhist and sometimes Jain iconography. Aquatic by nature, it usually combines a crocodile or fish body with an elephant’s head or trunk, tusks, a curling tail, and occasionally fins or a dolphin-like snout. In Hinduism, the makara serves as the vahana (mount) of Varuna, god of the sea, and of Kamadeva, god of love, linking it both to primordial waters and fertility. In temple art, makarās appear at balustrade ends, water spouts, entrance arches (makara torana) and base friezes, acting as protectors against harmful forces and symbols of prosperity and fecundity. In Buddhist art, the makara adorns shrines as a benevolent threshold guardian. Its presence on façades recalls the vital power of water and natural abundance sustaining life.