Important Notice

Nayak Dynasty, 17th Century CE
Granite
Height: 29 in (73.7 cm)
Width: 12 in (30.5 cm)

REGISTERED ANTIQUITY-NON-EXPORTABLE


Dakshinamurthy is an important and peaceful form of Shiva, and is portrayed in this sculpture. He is the ultimate teacher who imparts knowledge to his followers. Here, he is shown seated under a Banyan tree giving sermons to rishis, or holy men. One of his right hands assumes the chinmudra and in it, he holds a prayer bead. In one left hand, he clasps a bunch of palm-leaf manuscripts. In his rear right hand, he bears an axe with a serpent on it. His rear left hand holds a flame: the fire of knowledge that destroys ignorance.

The sculpture on offer shows this iconography in a complete form. Shiva is seated in an assertive manner with his left foot resting on his right knee. His right foot rests on Apasmara, the demon of ignorance. Two rishis are seen on either side in strict obedience. The simple ornaments, facial features and stylistic traits point to the Nayak dynasty.

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