The great teacher of divine wisdom and arts, Shiva is evoked in South Indian literature and art as “Dakshinamurthy”, the primordial guru of all beings. When he assumes the form of a celestial master of Music, Shiva is “Veenadhara” or Gana Dakshinamurthy. In Swamimalai bronzes, this roopa of Mahadeva is represented with poetic beauty, showing a young and beautiful Shiva, with an ornate Jatamukuta, four arms, placing his primary hands in the gesture of holding a Veena or stringed instrument.
This bronze statute presents the allure of Veendhara Shiva following the traditional iconography of Chola bronzes. Shiva in a graceful posture, takes his spot on a double-tiered lotus pedestal, with Pashu (the symbol of soul) and Ankusha (goad) in his secondary hands. A skull embraced by a serpent ornament his hairdo. Makara kundala (an earring often worn by Vishnu, a symbol of beauty) and a circular ear ornament (of Devi Uma) adorn his ears, the third eye and a gentle smile animate his countenance and the elegance in his pose infuse the icon with vitality.
Sculpted meticulously in a rounded manner, this Panchaloha carries the sacred aura of Shiva, who is Adiguru- the primordial teacher for gods, goddesses, ascetics, and humans.
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Visual Search
Manage Wishlist