SWAN
This is a motif of Swan. Though the tail part looks like that of a peacock. This is a stylised, traditional or classical motif.
Swan is known as "Hamsa" in Sanskrit and Telugu and "Hans" in Hindi. It is a very graceful, beautiful and mostly silent bird. It is pristine white (most species) in colour. They are also mostly vegetarians. Its graceful long neck, the way it silently glides on the water, its posture while in water or on the shore all add to its beauty.
In Hinduism a Swan symbolises highest form of wisdom, spiritual knowledge, ethereal beauty and purity. It is said that a swan can separate milk from water and drinks only milk. So also we humans living in this world are blinded by materialism. We should separate materialism from spirituality (like a swan separating milk from water) and follow the spiritual path to attain the "Moksha" or liberation of soul.
In Hindu Mythology, Swan is the vehicle of Saraswathi-Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom. Hence it is considered to be a very smart or wise bird. It is also believed that "Golden Swans" considered to be Divine birds exist. They come from heaven and visit the famous "Manasa Sarovar in Hymalayas". Folklore, and other classic literature associated with this bird have many stories to tell. One such story is that the famous Love story of Nala and Damainthi. The righteous, most handsome, most eligible Emperor Nala and the most beautiful, virtuous Princess Damayanthi were brought together by a pair of golden swans. How they love each other and marry and the story that follows is known as "Nala Charitham". It is a beautiful tale of two lovers.
Now the bird Swan inspired many painters, like Raja Ravi Varma. Here it is:
These birds have fascinated weavers too. Different motifs of these birds are painted, block printed, woven or embroidered as motifs or on borders and pallus of Saris. One can find them on temple walls. They are more stylised and very classic in design. The design or patterns vary with the sculptor or the artist.
I have many such patterns of Swan. I will be posting some in near future.
