THE HERO

Related to the different human figures that can be found in the Edakkal stone engravings, is the standing hero, who seems to be like a warrior. A zig zag symbol nearby may perhaps have some link to the snake image which later assumes an important role as representing the life force within the human being, which could also be understood as the breath which characterizes the concept of Kundalini in yogic thought. The Hero figure, can be seen as prefiguring that of the Vertical man who is also the Yogic practitioner. In this area we later find a strong Jaina culture, which also develops the iconography of the Thirthankara, the one who shows the way across the spring, or source of life (Thirtha), and who is "clothed in space" like the Digambara ascetics, who wander about naked.