Surya

Surya, a prominent Vedic deity symbolizing the sun, can be seen holding lotuses in both hands. He is standing in samapada on an inverted lotus placed on a tri-ratha pitha. His features, as commonly seen in bronzes of this period and region, are totally defaced ─ all that is visible is the silver inlay in the eyes. This is a rare image which shows a horse-riding figure facing the Sun God and tells us of a popular legend that Aruna, the charioteer of Surya, never shows his back to Surya but drives the chariot while facing him. Around him are his two attendants, the bearded Pingala with his pen and inkpot on his right and Dandi on his left holding a spear.