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A
STONE CARVING OF UMA-MAHESVARA
Pala dynasty
800 AD
This black stone group represents the four-armed
Siva with his consort. They are seated, respectively,
in rajalina asana above a bull, and lila asana above
a lion - both upon a stepped seat, against a mandala
decorated with beading along its arch. One of Siva's
main hands is held below his consort's chin, in
mudra; the other is wrapped around her waist, and
holds her left breast. The remaining two hands are
held up - one holding a lotus plant to his right
side, the other held behind, holding a staff surmounted
by a vajra. The female's right arm embraces Siva,
and her left arm holds a whisk. Both of the figures
are dressed in dhotis - leaving their torsos exposed;
jewellery adorns their feet, arms, wrists and chests.
They face towards one another, their eyes of almond
shape with double lids and low, arched brows - their
nose, mouth and chin looking as if squeezed to the
front of their faces. Circular earrings adorn their
ears and a floral crown rests on each forehead;
their hair is raised high above their heads, in
traditional style.
Height: 29 ¼" / 74.5 cm
Similar example: 'The Art
of Eastern India, 300-800' by Frederick Asher, University
of Minnesota 1980 - plate 185.
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