Shiva as Somaskanda

Somaskanda is made up of S-Uma-Skanda in Sanskrit, meaning (Shiva) with Uma and Skanda. Uma is the wife of Shiva, more popularly known as Parvati Devi, and Skanda is another name of Murugan or Karttikeya, their son, who happens to be the most popular deity of Tamil Nadu. In South Indian art depicting Shiva’s family, Skanda is almost always shown as an infant or child, and Ganesha, their other son, is never included. This is a major difference in depictions of Lord Shiva from North and South India. Also additionally, in North Indian representations, even though the sons are included in the composition, the title does not include their names, being merely called ‘Shiva Parvati’ or ‘Uma Maheshwara.’ Here, the inclusion of Skanda’s name shows his extremely important status in South India.

Shiva is a regal figure wearing a tall crown of matter hair. Skanda stands in the center of his parents. The four-armed Shiva is seated in the relaxed sukhasana posture, with the right leg dangling. The upper right hand holds a battle-axe, while the left carries a deer. The lower right hand displays the gesture of fearlessness, while the corresponding left exhibits the katakamukha gesture, usually formed to hold a flower. His left leg is horizontally placed on the rectangular pedestal.

Parvati Devi’s left leg dangles at an angle, and her right hand displays the katakamukha mudra, while the left is placed on the base for support. She has a slender form, accentuated by her vertical crown and the dhoti clinging to her legs.

Click Here to View the Reverse of This Sculpture.

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