Talk:Arjuna's Penance

Status of article

I noticed that this page was redirected today without any discussion. As is, the page was poorly written and had no reliable sources referenced in the article. It is possible that this article could be merged with Descent of the Ganges (Mahabalipuram), but there should be some discussion. Thanks. Ism schism (talk) 21:06, 30 July 2008 (UTC)

• Merge same material, same sculpture.--Redtigerxyz (talk) 14:30, 31 July 2008 (UTC)
• Comment While there is a disputed sculpture at Mahabalipuram, the actual story of Arjuna's Penance is found in art, temples and is discussed in scholarship on Hinduism. While comments on the sculpture at Mahabalipuram should be merged into the Decent of the Ganges, discussions on Arjuna's Penance (art, religion, scholarship, etc.) might warrent an article of its own. Thanks. Ism schism (talk) 18:58, 31 July 2008 (UTC)

Though interpretations are different, isn't the sculpture one?--Redtigerxyz (talk) 12:07, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

Though this sulpture is important, I think a discussion on the two intrepretations of the sculpture at Mahabalipuram can tend to be a distraction from the larger context of Hindu literature and art in which there are many notable references to Arjuna's Penance. Thanks. Ism schism (talk) 14:35, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

• Keep Arjuna's Penance is an important story within Hinduism. Multiple scholars discuss this subject as an important part of the Mahabharata; The Mahabharata By Virendra Verma, Virendar Verma, Shanti Verma, Paresh Saxena and Criminal Gods and Demon Devotees By Alf Hiltebeitel. Also, aside from its importance as part of the Mahabharata, this story is also depicted in sculpture (other than Mahabalipuram) and literature; Epic Scenes in Indian Plastic Art By Jayantika Kala and Narrative Sculpture and Literary Traditions in South and Southeast Asia By Marijke J. Klokke, Jan Fontein. I believe that these four references show how the story of Arjuna's Penance has a significance that goes well beyond the contraversial interpretations of the sculpture at Mahabalipuram. Thanks. Ism schism (talk) 14:35, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

yes, i know the story. At present the article discusses the Mahabalipuram sculpture, not the story. So the info about the sculpture can be merged while only the story retained? --Redtigerxyz (talk) 13:38, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

I think that is a good idea. In the next few days I will work on an article about Arjuna's Penance that will be about the narrative, first found in the Mahabharata, and will focus on; scholary discussion, sculptures (other than Mahabalipuram), and religious/cultural literature that uses this narrative (using the above sources and others). Also, any info in the present article about the interpretations of the Mahabalipuram sculpture can be added to that page - but I think they are very contraversial interpretations. Thanks. Ism schism (talk) 23:03, 6 August 2008 (UTC)