Sculpture, Chakla - Ritual stone base - 39 cm - Stone

Grosser Chakla with Lotus Rosette
North India, 14th–15th century CE

Massive ritual stone slab (so-called “Chakla”) in sandstone, with a centrally carved six-petaled lotus rosette. Chaklas were a fixed component of Hindu temple culture and served as ritual foundational elements: they were used as a standing surface for gods’ statues (Murti), sacrificial vessels (Kalasha), oil lamps (Deepam), or other sacred objects. Often they were set into altar niches or platforms.
The rosette in the center, carved in the form of a stylized lotus flower, symbolizes purity, creation, spiritual awakening, and cosmic order in Hinduism and Buddhism. The lotus grows from muddy water yet remains untainted – a metaphor for spiritual life in worldly existence. The six-part structure refers to cyclical wholeness and harmony.

The back of the object shows three raised, stone-carved walkways, presumably used for anchoring in a temple structure. The surface has been smoothened by centuries of use and shows dark deposits as well as ritual wear marks.

– Dimensions: 39 × 34 × 6 cm
– Weight: approx. 9 kg

Provenance
Acquired in an antique shop in Zug, Switzerland. Previously acquired from the estate of an old collection (before 1990).

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