Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.s10.74

v2.c16.s10.74

The next illustration, CIII, is to be found in the Cave temple at Elephanta. It is a remarkably well-executed panel, but very unfortunately here and there mutilated. But what remains is sufficient to disclose the master-hand of the artist who sculptured this most interesting scene. Śiva is standing with Pārvatī to his right; his front right hand is as usual stretched out to receive that of Pārvatī. The figure of Pārvatī is of striking beauty; her slightly bent head and down-cast look depict an amount of shyness: her narrow waist and the broad hip, the well-formed bosom and the easy posture of the legs all lend a charm to the figure which is all its own. Brahmā is making hōma to the left of Śiva and Lakshmī is seen standing behind Pārvatī with her hands touching her back and behind Lakshmī stands her consort Viṣṇu with a large pot of water for pouring water at the ceremony of giving the bride to the bridegroom. The figure of a very well built man is to be seen standing behind Pārvatī with his right hand bent and resting upon the right shoulder of Pārvatī. From the size of the figure and from the fact that it has only two arms, as also from a sort of inferior head-gear, one may presume it represents Parvatarāja, the father of Pārvatī. If that is he, it is indeed noteworthy to find him in the panel. Below the right hand of this figure is a large drum, also very well-carved. A number of gods with their respective goddesses are seen in the air in the attitude of flying and praising the married couple. In point of size also this panel is most remarkable; the height of the figure of Pārvatī is 8 feet and 6 inches and the panel itself measures approximately 10¾ feet square.