Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c25.s3.89

v4.c25.s3.89

Two illustrations are however added to give the reader a notion about the nature of such representations. The first, figs. 1 and 2, Pl. CXX, is one symbolising the legend connected with the Ekāmranāthasvāmin temple at Conjeevaram. Pārvatī, according to this legend, was doing penance on the bed of the river Vēgavati; she had set up a *liṅga* and was offering worship to it daily with intense piety. To disturb her penance with a view to test her mental firmness, god Śiva suddenly sent freshes in the river Vēgavatī so as to sweep away the *liṅga* and the other objects of worship set up by Pārvatī. When thus suddenly beset with difficulties, Pārvatī, not knowing how to avert them, hugged the *liṅga* to her bosom, so that if it was swept out, she might also perish with it. Śiva, pleased with the firmness of devotion of Pārvatī, appeared to her in person under a mango tree (which stood singly, *ēkāmmra*) and was joined with his consort. In fig. 1, Pl. CXX, Pārvatī is seen doing penance and fig. 2 on the same plate shows her hugging passionately the *liṅga* symbol when it was threatened to be washed away in the flood.