Pashupatinath or Pashuman is the aspect of Shiva first mentioned in the Rig Veda, as the all-powerful god, who tamed the frantic gallops of Prajapti, who had turned himself into an antelope. Having controlled the untamed Pashu or animal, the divine one became Pashupati or Lord of Animals or Soul. As the antelope ran erratically in the wilderness, the Aatman or soul is lost in existence, and only in the hand of Pashupati, it finds true freedom or Mukti.
With all his splendor, Lord Pashupati has taken abode in this beautiful Panchaloha bronze statue. As a pillar of divinity, Pashupati Shiva stands on an inverted lotus pedestal in Sampadasthanaka posture, both legs placed parallelly, creating a balance in his form. His hair is tied in an elongated Jatamukuta, adorned with a crescent moon, hair ornaments with Makara mark and jeweled fineries. On his forehead is the third eye, marking the spot of his Yogic Shakti between his beautifully arched eyebrows, which are followed by a fine nose and inwardly smiling lips.
Makarakrita kundela- earrings in the shape of Makara (a mythical animal), symbolic of royalty, adorn Pashupati Shiva’s elongated earlobes, falling gracefully on his broad shoulders which are embellished by gemmed ornaments. The torso of Shiva is beautified by a multiple stringed Yajnopavita and an Udarbandha (belly belt). A short dhoti made of tiger hide and Katibandha with Kirtimukha emblem highlight the lower body of Shiva. In his secondary hands, he has the Pashu and Ankusha (goad), while his primary hands are in the Abhaya and Varada mudra.
The iconography and meticulous details of this murti has instilled in it a riveting realism- be it the gentle smile of Pashupati, the softness of his fingers or the sturdiness of his legs. Envisioning Pashupati Shiva as the most alluring and divine being of the three realms, the Sthapatis of Tamil Nadu make us believe, that he is the supreme being, the first God in the Universe of Brahma.
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