Agni

Description

Agni, the god of fire, is one of the astadikpalas and the lord of south-east (Agneya) direction. Rigveda describes Agni as the priest of gods. This sculpture shows Agni, pot-bellied and having a beard. The four hands hold different ayudhas, from right to left (clockwise) he is shown holding an akshamala (rosary), a spear, flower and a kamandalu. Agni adoms a high knotted hairstyle, flames at back of head and seen standing in abhanga mudra. A vanamàlà is visible around the body of deity. A Ram (animal) is visible near the right leg of Agni, as his vahana and a flame like form, perhaps the sacrificial fire that Agni embodies is on other side. Two female attendants probably Svaha and Svadha are seen on both sides of Agni. The attendant en left is shown turning herself backwards, holding a child. Svafia, Agni's wife, is the daughter of king Nila. In some myths, Kartikeya (Skanda) is known as Ani's son. All the three figurines are adorned with intricate jewellery and fine drapery.