Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c7.116

v1.c7.116

Often in the Purāṇas Śiva is said to have paid homage to Viṣṇu and equally often is Viṣṇu said to have paid homage to Śiva. An interesting instance is the story of Viṣṇu offering redemption to Śiva from the sin of Brahmahatyā or Brāhmin-killing. A similar Śaiva instance is the story of Śiva being pleased with the devotion of Viṣṇu and bestowing on him in appreciation of that devotion the discus or the *chakra*. Images representing these events are found in more than one temple: the image of Śiva as Viṣṇvanugrahamūrti, that is, as Śiva, pleased with Viṣṇu and presenting to him the *chakra*, may be seen in the sculptures of the Kailāsanāthasvāmin temple at Kāñchi.