Vishnu, Prachin Shiva Temple (Pehowa)

Description

The image portrays a sophisticated and elongated sculpture with intricate iconographic features. The most apparent characteristic is a huge round item toward the top, probably a wheel or a disc. The upper portion of the sculpture most likely portrays a god seated in the center, flanked by attendants or other divine beings. The sitting figure, maybe with numerous arms, may represent an important Hindu deity, such as Shiva. Given the presence of the disk (Sudarshana Chakra) and the central seated figure, this sculpture could be associated with Vishnu, possibly in one of his several forms or manifestations. The sculpture’s lower part depicts many female figures, probably apsaras or attendants, which add to the piece’s elaborate carvings and themes.