Studies in Indian Art c13.s3.24

c13.s3.24

This motif began to be considered auspicious and expressive of the divine power of Rudra in warding off evil. The lion became an integral part of Śiva's retinue, as stated by Kālidāsa: कैलासगौरं वृषमारुरुक्षोः पादार्पणाऽनुग्रहपूतपृष्ठम् । अवेहि मां किंकरमष्टमूर्तेः कुम्भोदरं नाम निकुम्भमित्रम् ॥ (*Raghuvamśa* II. 35)