AGASTYA STATUE

Agastya is the name of a famous Hindu Sage. As one of the most revered manifestations of the Supreme Lord Śiwa, or Śiwa Mahādewa, he is also known as Śiwa Guru.
Agastya is often portrayed with a beard and moustache, almond shaped eyes and a pot belly. His right hand tends to hold either prayer beads (akșamālā) or a trident (triśūla) while, with his left, he is holding a water vessel (kuņdika).
This statue of Agastya is from the Central Java Banon temple. Unfortunately, its right hand has been broken off, and the kuņdika, which should have been in the left, is missing as well. Visible on either side of the piece are the remnants of two other kneeling statues, with only the knees left. It can be assumed that they represented two of Agastya's pupils. Agastya statues were, traditionally, placed in southern niches of Hindu temples.