Description

This brown granite sculpture depicts the Puranic deity Parvati, who is interpreted varyingly. Seen as the consort of Shiva, she is also viewed as the complete incarnation of Adi Parashakti, or as the gentler aspect of the great goddess Mahadevi. In relation to Shiva, she is his two-armed second consort- being reincarnated from his first one, Sati. Additionally, she is also viewed as a maternal figure to the gods Ganesha and Skanda. Yet, when depicted individually, her self changes drastically- she is then shown as a four-armed or eight-armed goddess, astride her vahana (usually a tiger or a lion). This depiction shows her in her four-armed self, holding a number of ayudhas, of which only her lotus has survived. She is shown wearing a headdress of her locks (jatamukuta), along with makara kundalas, necklaces, triple bangles and a triple-corded yajnopavita. Locks of her hair are seen spreading over her shoulders, while her lower garment is fastened to her waist by a decorative girdle with tassels and loops. This carving exhibits considerable expertise and craftsmanship.