Siva and Paravati

Description

Shiva, the powerful Hindu god of destruction, can be recognized here by the trident he carries in his upper right hand—his characteristic weapon—and his tall hairdo of matted locks, signifying the aspect of his character as divine aescetic. His consort Parvati is seated on his left knee. Shallow reliefs of the kind seen here are frequently found decorating niches in temple architecture throughout the Indian subcontinent; the style of these figures suggest that this relief probably came from the modern provinces of Madhya Pradesh or even Rajasthan.