Pallava Architecture, Part I (MASI 17) c2.67.2

c2.67.2

Above the shrine doorway is a cornice decorated with the gable-window ornament and on each side of the entrance, carved in high relief and standing in a niche, is a figure of a doorkeeper leaning on a club [Plate II (d)]. Carved in the west wall of the hall and facing the shrine, is a large panel, about seven feet square, containing a fine image of Siva in the form of Gangādhāra, “ the bearer of Gangā ” (the Ganges). This form of Siva illustrates the Purānic story of the descent of the heavenly Ganges unto the earth to purify the ashes of the sinful sons of Sagara, a king of the Solar race. At the request of Bhagiratha, a late member of the same family, “ the river of the gods ” consented to direct her course to the earth, but her force was so great that the earth was unable to stand the shock. So Bhagiratha prayed to Siva and the latter consented to receive the Ganges on his head. The river, proud of her might, came down with all her force as though to crush Siva, but found herself lost in the tangled maze of Siva’s tresses. Gangā then became humble and Siva permitted her to flow forth again from his hair as a tiny stream. Since then the river goddess Gaṅgā is believed to abide in Siva's hair as one of his consorts. In the sculpture, Siva is portrayed with four arms, the right upper arm holding the Ganges issuing from his hair. The left upper arm holds some indistinguishable object, that may be meant for a rosary.