Mahesvari

Velankanni, Thanjavur District. Height 50 cm. 10th Century A.D.

In this figure, Devi takes the attributes of her consort Siva and carries an axe and an antelope in the upper hands. The figure is seated in the Sukhasana posture. The hair is made to resemble a flame and is heart-like in form.

The crescent moon and the Datura flower are shown.

A yajnopavita with all the three strands joined together is seen on the trunk.

The figure is seated on an oval padmasana over a bhadrasana, both of which are moulded together.