In the Shiva shrines of South India, the wife of Mahadeva Shiva-Parvati resides as Shivakamasundari Parvati – the beautiful woman who is the sole focus of Shiva’s passionate love. Resonating with her descriptions in the Hindu textual traditions, Devi Parvati in her sculptures appears as a divine amalgamation of yoga (spiritual attainment) and Bhoga (material fulfilments).
Maa Parvati’s standing images, similar to the brass statue we have here, are often related to her role as the prime audience to Shiva’s transcendental dance- Tandava. She remains gracefully poised and still as Shiva moves, enriched by the Shakti (energy) that is provided by Parvati herself. Enriching the actions of Shiva, enjoying marital bliss with Him in his presence, and meditating upon Him in his absence, becoming Uma for Maheswar (Shiva) when the world order requires the divine couple to procreate and becoming Kali when the universe needs them to wreak havoc, - Parvati is the ideal wife, whose only concern is supporting every endeavor of her husband.
The Hindu Goddess stands in the most graceful posture, adorned with a high-raising crown, gold spiked necklace; Makara (a mythical creature) shaped earrings, armbands, a waistband with a Makara motif, and anklets. Her left hand is in the Lolahasta (horse-tail) mudra and her right hand is raised in the Katakahasta mudra- for holding offerings of flowers. Her body is kept bare by the maker in order to highlight the celestial beauty of the consort of Shiva. The vibrant mystique of inlay work used on brass can be best observed on the dhoti of Devi, where the combination of turquoise-red shades makes the statue appear mesmeric. Goddess Parvati Statue stands on a compact upturned lotus platform, embellished with inlay work. Her face, adorned with perfectly symmetrical features, looks like a source of divine affection- the kind that caused marital warmth to sprout in the heart of Shiva, the greatest ascetic in the entire creation.
