Censers are vessels that contain sand to hold incense sticks and are often placed near temple entrances. Burning incense is a common practice in both Buddhist and Hindu temples, either to venerate the Buddha or to please the senses of the Hindu gods. This particular burner is designed in the shape of a mythical bird, possibly the Gandabherunda, who is seated on a lotus base with a parasol adorned with pendant leaves. Now missing its base, the censer was likely kept inside a temple that was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, as indicated by the presence of his mount, the bull, located on the parasol. The bird’s lower section features stylized feathers, while the perforated upper section enables the release of smoke.