Labyrinths are mazes that one can walk across, following a path. You start from outside, walk all the way inside, and then trace a path back to where you began. Usually, once you have stepped in, there is only one path that you can follow to come out.
Explore these Labyrinths in India
Labyrinths are as old as human settlements. We have found them carved in all kinds of places – on altars, on riverbeds, in nature. They were probably the earliest observatories to observe the motion of celestial bodies in the sky. They may have been used to pray and meditate. Even today, they are used for walking meditation in many parts of the world.
A serpentine path takes you inside and brings you out with a flow, alternatively going closer and further from the center.
Labyrinths are pretty global. Ancient labyrinths have been found around the world. India is the oldest civilization, how can we not have some of it? I have found labyrinths during my travels in the country. Come with me for a virtual tour of ancient labyrinths in India:
Pansaimol Labyrinth in Goa
On the rocky bed of river Sharavati in South Goa is a wonderful archaeological site. There are ancient petroglyphs with carvings of various animals and depictions of human birth. However, the most fascinating carving is that of a labyrinth. It is clearly etched in the red laterite stone. At the entrance of it, are a carved pair of feet, as if a devotee would stand and pray here.
I have not seen but I was told that some local communities still visit and worship this labyrinth. People sit in the middle and meditate. Mind you, this is visible only before the monsoon season and remains hidden in the waters most of the year.
This may be the oldest surviving labyrinth in India and maybe the world.
Read our detailed post on the Rock Art of Goa.
Do read: Best Places to visit in South Goa during your holidays
Bhadrakali or DeviKoop at Kurukshetra
Let me take you to the Mahabharat war that took place in Kurukshetra. Remember Abhimanyu, the young son of Arjuna was killed in a Chakravyuha – a formation that he knew how to enter but not how to get out of. So, he entered it, fought bravely, and was killed. It is believed that this Chakravyuha is nothing but a labyrinth that has only one way to get in and get out.
This is carved at the…
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