Photographed by Scott Wolff. Scanned from a slide. Color corrected by Pat Cagney.

Shiva Seated with Parvati (Uma Maheshwar) Stele

Artist Unknown

CultureIndian

Date1300-1500

MediumSandstone

DimensionsOverall: 31 x 20 x 9 in. (78.7 x 50.8 x 22.9 cm)

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number77.321

Collections

Asian Art

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 107

DescriptionStele has central figures of Shiva as Mehesvara and the materialization of his female energy, Uma; she sitting on his left knee. Small figures in columns on either side include Ganesha, upper right, and Karttikeya, upper left (their offspring), each with a rampant lion below. Small patron figures flank central figures. The god and goddess sit on large LINGAM, before it their two vehicles, Nandi the bull and a lion. Beneath are two crouching figures with monkey people standing over them flanking a central 6-armed figure holding a club or sword (?). Four arms appear to support pedestal. Low relief sheep's head above this figure. Siva holds a large trident (right hand) and part of a snake (left hand).

Label TextShiva Seated with Parvati (Uma Maheshwar) Stele Indian, 1300–1500 C.E. Sandstone Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 77.321