Intricately Sculpted Seated Lord Shiva

He is chaturbhujadhari, possessed of (‘dhari’) four (‘chatur’) arms (‘bhuja’). In the posterior hands are the damroo, from which emerges the creative-projective naada (sound), and a quantum of flaming fire, symbolic of the annihilation that precedes brith anew. In keeping with His traditional iconography, He is wearing a bunch of rudrakshas in addition to the loincloth; and the long, slithering bodies of venomous snakes are wound around His neck and limbs, like He is their overlord. His voluminous hair is in dreadlocks, gathered atop His head in thick coils from which emerges a miniscule stream of the Devi Ganga.

A supremely tranquil composure characterises His countenance. The half-shut eyes of Lord Shiva, a wide-set brow, and a handsome mouth. Like the little Nandi at His feet, whose gaze and stance and heart are pouring forth with reverence for Him, the ihalokiya devotees of Lord Shiva turn to Him for succour in their sorrow.