Surya

Description

This standing sculpture of the solar deity, Surya, is a fine example of skilled craftsmanship, showing the deity along with multiple related figures. Surya is shown wearing a crown with a simplistic prabhamandala behind him- both indicating his power and authority as a key God in the Puranic pantheon. Moreover, one can observe skilled carving and cutting in his clothing, jewellery and crown. Adjacent to him are his attendants Danda (holding the rod) and Pingale (holding the inkpot and pen). This depiction of Surya matches textual details of works like the Brihatsamhita- where Surya is described as a two-handed deity wearing boots, in accordance to his 'northern' (Central Asian) appearance. A large cape with flowing hair is alos distinctly visible.