Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.s3.28

v2.c16.s3.28

Fig. 1, Pl. XXVI, represents Umāmahēśvara as found in the temple at Haveri. In this also Umā is seated on the left lap of Śiva and embraces him with her right hand, which rests upon the right side of his body; she appears to have held a flower in her left hand, which is unfortunately broken. Śiva carries in three out of the four of his hands the śūla, the ḍamaru and an akshamālā and the remaining hand is thrown in embrace over the left shoulder of Umā. Around Śiva and Umā is a nicely carved prabhāvali with creeper ornament; in each of the circular loops of the creeper is carved a dikpāla. At the right extremity of the bhadrāsana on which are seated Śiva and Umā is a tiny figure of a seated Gaṇēśa with four arms, carrying as usual the ankuśa, the pāśa, the danta and a mōdaka. In front of him sits Nandi, the bull of Śiva. Corresponding to these, are to be seen on the left side of the seat the figures of Kumāra with six heads seated upon his peacock vehicle, and an alligator, the vehicle of Umā-Pārvatī. The whole work is executed very skilfully and tastefully.