Studies in Indian Art c14.s2.6

c14.s2.6

In the third row are five smaller images including two Kārttikeya figures, one Saptamātṛkā relief and two Hara-Gaurī images. The first Kārttikeya image (1'—3" × 10") is of interest as besides the peacock vehicle in the centre are shown two more peacocks one at each end looking towards the god. The second four-armed figure of this deity has six heads arranged in a double row of three each, but is of a very late date. In the north wall of the *antarāla*, are small statuettes showing Hara-Gaurī, standing Viṣṇu, a female goddess probably Durgā, Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa, and a big rounded stela showing Śiva-Pārvatī seated in *āliṅgana-mudrā* (ht. 3'—0 × 1'—10"). Amongst loose sculptures placed on the floor two are noteworthy, one representing Śiva-Pārvatī (ht. 3'—2" × 2'—2") seated on Kailāsa and the other showing squatting Kubera with three treasure vases. Both the images are of considerable artistic interest and maybe dated to the early medieval period. (Circa 8th century A.D.) Inside the sanctum of the Lākheśvra temple is a Śiva liṅga in worship. About two dozen sculptures of the late medieval period are placed along the walls comprising 5 images of Hara-Gaurī, 4 of standing Sūrya, 3 of Durgā, 1 of Pārvatī performing penance, 1 of Śiva as Lakulīśa, 1 of Nāga, 2 of Viṣṇu and a few others. An image of Sūrya placed along the central wall is prominent (3′—0×2′—0). It shows the god holding lotuses in both hands wearing boots and attended by Aruṇa and the smaller figures of Daṇḍa and Piṅgala.