Uma-Mahesvara

Here we see the god Shiva as supreme being (Maheśvara) with his consort Umā (or Pārvatī) in an affectionate embrace. This popular, domestic form of Shiva emphasizes his role as preserver of harmony and, with Umā, as creator of life. Shiva’s destructive power is represented by the trident grasped in his upper right hand, and by the serpent in his upper left hand, which is also a symbol of rebirth due to its molting.

All of the gods have “vehicles” (vāhana), often an animal. Shiva’s is Nandi the bull, on which the couple are seated. The familial tone of the sculpture continues with the inclusion of the two sons of Shiva and Umā who are below Nandi. Skanda (or Kartikeya), god of war, appears on our right and is recognizable by his multiple heads, by the Divine Spear, Vel, that he holds, and by his peacock vehicle. Ganesha, god of beginnings and patron of art and literature, is to our left, identified by his elephant head.