Studies in Indian Art c14.s2.16

c14.s2.16

1. Image of Śiva-Pārvatī (ht. 3'—7"×1'—10") showing four-armed Śiva standing with his consort Pārvatī against Nandi bull whose regardant head is turned towards the divine couple in rapt attention (*Fig. 155*). Śiva is playing on Vīṇā with his two upper hands, the remaining right hand is holding a trident (?) and the corresponding left hand touches the left breast of Pārvatī who is holding a garland in her hand near the thigh. Śiva has *jaṭājūṭa* on the head with some locks falling on right shoulder and is wearing a necklace, a pearl ear-ring in the right ear and a big discular ring in the left, armlets and wristlets, and lastly a beaded girdle with the *ūrdhva retas* feature marked on it. Pārvatī is also elegantly dressed, wearing a bodice and a *sārī*, a pearl ear-ring, an *ekāvalī* necklace, bracelets, a girdle and anklets round the feet. The sculpture, although somewhat weathered, shows much artistic quality being marked by deep harmony and an expression of inward joy. Circa 8th century A.D.