This sculpture from a temple niche depicts the Hindu god Shiva and his consort Parvati in a loving embrace. Shiva holds a trident with his far-right hand, while the hand at his chest offers a gesture of fearlessness. A hand above his head holds a serpent, and another encircles Parvati, whose right-hand rests on Shiva’s shoulder. The mirror in her left hand symbolizes her beauty. Below them is Nandi, the bull, the carrier or vehicle mount of Shiva. Their two sons, the elephant-headed Ganesha and the peacock-riding Kumara, are placed at knee level. Framing the central lotus medallion are gods and garland bearers with god Vishnu at top holding a club and a disk. Above the trident is Brahma, the creator god, with multiple heads. Above Parvati’s left hand is Kubera, the deity of wealth. The overall iconography highlights Shiva and Parvati as devoted spouses and parents, important aspects of their divine identity.
Details
- Title: Shiva and Parvati
- Date: 11th century
- Culture: Indian
- Medium: Sandstone
- Dimensions: 31 x 18 1/2 x 5 in. (78.7 x 26.7 x 12.7 cm)
- Credit Line: The Norton Simon Foundation
- Accession Number: F.1978.23.S
- Copyright: © The Norton Simon Foundation
Object Information
Loan Exhibition of Early Indian Sculptures, Paintings and Bronzes
- College Art Association of America, 1935 to
Durga: Avenging Goddess, Nurturing Mother
- Norton Simon Museum, 2005-10-07 to 2006-03-27
The Universe: Creation, Constellations and the Cosmos
- Norton Simon Museum, 2001-02-04 to 2001-06-04
Pal, Pratapaditya, Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum, Volume 1: Art from the Indian Subcontinent, no. 115 p. 156
Donaldson, Thomas, Iconography and Body Language in Hara-Parvati and Allied Images (2 vols), fig. 402
Donaldson, Thomas, Iconography and Body Language in Hara-Parvati and Allied Images (2 vols), p. 413
Pal, Pratapaditya, Durga: Avenging Goddess, Nurturing Mother, fig. 19 p. 23
Campbell, Sara, Collector Without Walls: Norton Simon and His Hunt for the Best, cat. 947 p. 354
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