Shiva Vinadhara (Holder of the Vina) Rear View

Shiva Vinadhara (Holder of the Vina)
India, state of Tamil Nadu, Chola dynasty, ca. 950
Bronze
Purchase F1997.28

The figure's eloquently swaying pose captures the spirit of Shiva Vinadhara, who is revered as the essence of sound and the deity who brought music to the world. Shiva's two front hands are poised to play the lutelike vina, while his rear hands hold aloft his loyal antelope companion and battle-ax. The smoothly worn front surface results from the precious substances, such as milk, poured upon the deity in worship. The rear of the sculpture reveals its original detailed surface.