This sculpture depicts Shukra, the representation of the planet Venus in Vedic astrology, elegantly mounted on a horse. He holds a looped staff in one hand, symbolizing his role as a guide and teacher, and a pot in the other, which represents the nectar of immortality that he guards. His calm demeanor and poised stance reflect his association with love, wealth, and prosperity.
In Vedic mythology, Shukra is revered as the guru of the asuras, the teacher who guides the demons and bestows upon them the knowledge of resurrection. This duality of his role—both a celestial body influencing beauty, desire, and artistic talents, and a sage with profound spiritual knowledge—mirrors the complex narratives often found in Vedic texts. Shukra’s mount, the horse, symbolizes speed and vitality, echoing the swift influences Venus exerts in astrological charts.
