Shiva is one of the three principal deities of Hinduism. The iconographical attributes of Shiva are the serpent around his neck, the adorning crescent moon, the holy river Ganga flowing from his matted hair, the third eye on his forehead and carrying a small drum in his right hand. Seen here sitting in Padmasana or Lotus pose with both feet resting on the thighs. Shiva is regarded as the patron god of yoga, meditation and arts. Shiva is considered the Great Yogi who is totally absorbed in himself – the transcendental reality. He is the Lord of Yogis, and the teacher of Yoga to sages. Shiva is depicted as both an ascetic yogi and as a householder (grihasta), roles which have been traditionally mutually exclusive in Hindu society. He is both the great ascetic and the master of fertility, and he is the master of both poison and medicine, through his ambivalent power over snakes. As Lord of Cattle (Pashupata), he is the benevolent herdsman—or, at times, the merciless slaughterer of the “beasts” that are the human souls in his care. This figurine is originally carved out of soft sandalwood mounted on a rosewood base.
