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| Emblem of Karnataka | |
|---|---|
| Armiger | TheGovernment of Karnataka |
| Crest | TheSarnath Lion Capital |
| Shield | Gandabherunda |
| Supporters | TwoYali (mythology)Gandabherunda |
| Motto | "सत्यमेव जयते" (Satyameva Jayate,Sanskrit for "Truth Alone Triumphs") |
| Earlier version | |
| Use | On state government documents, buildings and stationery |
TheEmblem of Karnataka is the official state emblem of theState of Karnataka,India. It is based on that of theKingdom of Mysore, and is carried on all official correspondences made by theGovernment of Karnataka.
The state emblem has a red shield charged with a white two-headed bird,Gandabherunda bordered in blue. The crest depicts theLion Capital of Ashoka (also used as the emblem of theGovernment of India), on a blue circular abacus with a bluefrieze carrying sculptures in high relief of a galloping horse on the left, aDharmachakra in centre, a bull on the right, and the outlines of Dharmachakras on the extreme left and right as part ofSarnath'sAshoka Pillar. The shield is flanked on either side by red-maned, yellow lion-elephant indicating the auspicious mythological characterGajakesari, a hybrid form of two wise and powerful animals Lion and Elephant - a mythical creature believed to be auspicious and indicate strength, authority, and intelligence. The power of Gajakesari is believed to be upholders of stronger righteousness and spells much abundance and bliss. It also refers to the fortunate momentum or energy in Hindu astrology. A person having 'Gajakesari Yoga' in his astrology chart is believed to be conquering the world as per Hindu belief, same referring to a kingdom which justifies all characteristics of a conqueror standing on a green, leafy compartment. Below the compartment lies written in stylizedDevanāgarī, the national motto of India, "सत्यमेव जयते" (Satyameva Jayate,Sanskrit for "Truth alone triumphs").[1]
TheGovernment of Karnataka can be represented by a banner that depicts the emblem of the state on a white background. A flag was proposed in 2018 but was not formally adopted. The unofficialKannada flag is also in use.