“Om Sri Uma-Maheshwaraye Namah”- I bow down to Uma-Maheshwara is a powerful evocation amongst the devotees of the celestial mother and father, the divine manifestation of Purusha and Prakriti (male and female principles), the omnipresent Adideva and Adidevi (primordial god and goddess). In the tradition of Swamimalai bronzes, Shiva and Shakti’s union and togetherness that brings balance and auspiciousness in Srishti has been celebrated by splendid icons, depicting the divine couple enthroned on a pedestal, with Uma sitting on Shiva’s lap, who transforms himself from a Yogi or ascetic to the supreme sovereign of Universe, emanating grandeur all around.
On a lotus pedestal, which in Hinduism is a symbol of the origin of the Universe and the blooming of inner wisdom, Shiva and Shakti in this “Uma-Maheshwara murti” have been delineated with meticulous details and devotion. With his Jata (matted hair) styled in a beautiful crown held by the Kirtimukha band, fine ornaments, Yajnopavita or sacred thread, and dhoti, Shiva appears in Lalitasana or the pose of royal ease. His form is that of Pashupati- the Lord of Pashu (animals or souls), with an Ankusha (goad) and the symbol of Pashu in his secondary hands, highlighting his role in the regulation and balancing of the erratic elements of the Universe.
Divine femininity incarnate, Uma holds a flower in her hand, while being embraced by Shiva.
Attention is demanded by the animated visages of Uma-Maheshwara, where Shiva ornamented by the finely sculpted crescent moon, appears to be in meditative calm, and Uma-Parvati exudes charm with her gentle smile.
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