Category:Kachch Machch statues, Karitalai

Kachch Machch statues, Karitalai 

Two historic statues of Vishnu avatars
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Instance of	monument
Location	Katni district, Jabalpur division, Madhya Pradesh, India
24° 03′ 13.6″ N, 80° 42′ 24.6″ E
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The Kachch Machch statues of Karitalai are found flanking the gates of its village school. Some date it to late Gupta era due to the quality of workmanship (6th century), some date it to 11th to 12th century co-incident with the Vishnu Varaha temple site of Karatalai.

The Kachcha (tortoise/turtle) statue is of the Kurma avatar of Vishnu. It survives in a beheaded form. It is shown with stone jewelry around its neck and surviving legs. In front of the Kachcha is a seated yogini, flanked by two more badly damaged figures in yoga position. The entire statue sits on top of a small jagati (platform).

The Machcha (fish) statue is of the Matsya avatar of Vishnu. The statue also sits on top of a thin jagati (platform). The fins and scales are elegantly carved in stone. The tail section is partly damaged. In front of the fish are many seated yogis and yoginis, likely representing the rescued scholars and Vedic rishis in Hindu mythology associated with Matsya.