Lakulīsha/ Urdhvareta-Shiva

Temples of India Project Team

Lakulīsha/ Urdhvareta-Shiva Öffentlichkeit Deposited

This Shaiva figure was possibly part of a devakostha or sculptural niche placed on the walls of a now-lost Shaiva shrine. It is now housed in the Government Museum, Sikar. The four-armed seated figure holds a trident and a staff in the upper two hands, while the lower two hands are considerably damaged. The figure is ithyphallic, symbolizing the Urdhvareta aspect of Shiva, indicating mastery over the vital energies through ascetic vigour. It is plausible that this image represents Lakulisha, the preceptor of the Pashupata tradition. Image courtesy: The Government Museum, Sikar

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