Shiva and Parvati on Nandi (Vrishabharudha Murti) – 3 Feet
Large bronze sculpture of Shiva and Parvati as Vrishabhavahana. This breathtakingly beautiful bronze sculpture is of Vrishabharudha Murti. This title means ‘the one mounted on Vrishabha (bull) ’ the word Murti means Form. Shiva is seen sitting on his mount Nandi with his consort Parvati sitting on his left lap. <br> <br>Vrishabarudha Murti is one of the most popular themes in traditional Chola sculpturing. The four-armed Shiva is seen smiling pleasantly. He wears Jatamakuta (hair worn as crown) that is studded with beautiful jewelry, complete with Chandrakala (crescent moon) and Ganga (shown as wave-damsel). His right and left ears are adorned with male and female earring respectively, signifying Shiva ’s completeness. <br> <br>Shiva bears Parashu (axe) and Mriga (deer) in right and left upper-hands respectively. His lower left hand is curled around Parvati and right hand is raised in Abhaya Mudra (assurance or granting fearlessness). He sits on vrishabha in Sukhasana (comfortable pose). <br> <br>Parvati is seen sitting on Shiva ’s left lap. She bears a beautiful smile on her face, with a flostrer in her righty hand and left resting on her thigh. Nandi is the name of the bull that is Shiva ’s retinue and mount. He is depicted as a strong bull wearing thick garlands of bells, gold beads and other jewels. <br> <br>The sculpture is framed in a beautiful Prabhawali (arch surrounding South Indian sculptures) complete with two Yalis (Yali is a Puranic being that is hybrid of multiple animals) on either side at its base and a Kirtimukha (a demon who Shiva blessed with a position higher than any deity after he consumed his own body when asked so by Shiva) at the top. A fantastic piece of bronze art to own!
