In this episode we shall look at a very interesting and powerful motif that was widely used by Vijayanagara royalty and especially by the Emperor Achyuta Devaraya who was the successor of Sri Krishna Deva Raya .

The motif in question is known as , “Gandabherunda”. “Bherunda” means terrific and frightful, a species of bird in Sanskrit; while Ganda is understood to imply a hero or warrior. This motif is the official emblem of the Karnataka State Government too.

Visual Notes:

1. Karnataka's Eagle
2. Gandabherunda Relief in Rameshwara Temple at Keladi - Zoomorphic Form
3. Gadabherunda Relief in the ceiling of Brihadeshwara Temple - Zoomorphic Form
4. Gandabherunda Emblem in Mysore Palace
5. Gandabherunda - Heraldic Design - Coat of Arms
6. Gandabherunda Image - Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Mysore
7. One Bird Two Heads Article on Gandabherunda
8. Our Mythological Birds Article on Gandabherunda
9. The Mysore Royal Order Of The Gandabherunda
10. Depiction of Gandabherunda on gold varaha coin of Achyuta Raya
11. Ashtamukha Gandabherunda
12. Gandabherunda - Anthropomorphic Form
13. Shiva Sharabha and Narasimha Gandabherunda Fight
14. Double Headed Eagle of the Holy Roman Empire
15. Gandabherunda in Srirangam by Pandya Dynasty