An exceptionally fine Chola bronze idol of Parvati as Shivakami. Shivakami is another name of Parvati which means ‘the one desired by Shiva ’. This name implies that Goddess Parvati, the consort of Shiva, is so exquisitely beautiful that she can kindle desire even in the heart of Shiva who is the epitome of detachment. <br> <br>Parvati is referred to as Shivakami in the Nataraja temple of Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu. She is the beloved of Chidambaresha Nataraja who is none other than Shiva. This is a sculpture of Shivakami in bronze. <br> <br>She wears an exquisite, richly carved crown and her lips are lit with a divine smile. Her ears are depicted with long lobes, adorned with crocodile shaped earrings, beautifully raised. Long ear lobes are indicative of wisdom and grace as per ancient standards of sculpturing. <br> <br>Devi has perfectly formed, prominent breasts that highlight her maternal love for she is the mother of the universe. She stands with her weight on her right leg and the right of her waist is bent adding to the abundant feminine grace her slender body exudes. <br> <br>Her right hand is raised with fingers curled up as if around a lotus. Her left hand dangles gracefully in gajahasta mudra (when outline of hand and index finger resemble the trunk of an elephant). <br> <br>She wears fine cloth clinging to her legs that are smooth and stout as the trunk of a banana plant. The excess cloth of her dress is shown hanging between and outside her long legs in folds, beautifying the sculpture. <br> <br>A richly carved, broad ornamental band adorns her abdomen and an ornate belt of stringed jewels runs around her upper thighs. The sculpture of Devi Shivakami stands tall on a solid double pedestal of lotus and square.
