Important Notice

Bronze
18th Century

Nepal

Height: 4.5 in (11.4 cm)


This finely cast bronze figure shows six-armed Sadbhujamahakala, standing in 'pratyalidhasana'. Ganesha is seen below him, to his right side, being trampled by Mahakala. The elephant-headed god is seen with his right foot stretched and the left foot folded behind him as his body is bent, waist-upward. He holds attributes in both his hands.

Sadbhujamahakala has a strong appearance. In this form, he is considered the defender of law. He is crowned and his hair stands out like the flames of fire around his head, cascading on his shoulders. Sadbhujamahakala is bejeweled. He wears large, round earrings. He has on him a garland of severed heads. A Shivalinga is seen on the base on which he stands.

Sadbhujamahakala's primary hands hold the 'karttrka' and the 'kapala'. In his remaining four hands, he holds a 'damru' and 'battle-axe' on his right side and a 'trident' and 'akshamala' to his left. All of these are objects of subjugation. The figure has a very intricately carved prabha or arch around it, adding to the beauty of the sculpture.

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