Lord Shiva Riding Nandi

National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy

Title : Lord Shiva Riding Nandi

Accession No : 86/50/D/H/NHHM

The figure showcases a contemporary wooden figure depicting Lord Shiva riding on Nandi, from West Bengal. Shiva is seated on Nandi, while Nandi can be seen on a rectangular pedestal. Shiva is holding a Damaru and a Trident (Trishula) in his Right and Left Hands respectively. His hair are tied in a bun, while he appears to be almost naked. The Nandi (Bull), has an elongated neck, two horns on side of the face and long tail.


Provenance

  • CountryIndia
  • StateWest Bengal

Condition

  • ConditionAverage
  • Action NoteCR; Slightly Damaged

Dimensions

  • Measurement (CMS)25 x 16.5 x 9.5

Significance

  • ReligiousLord Shiva or Shankar is referred to as the most powerful. He, along with Brahma and Vishnu, makes the Trinity, which takes care of the process of birth, sustenance, and death. Shiva is often referred to as the 'destroyer' but in reality, it is he who destroys the impurities taking refuge in the human mind.

Description

  • DescriptionThe figure showcases a contemporary wooden figure depicting Lord Shiva riding on Nandi, from West Bengal. Shiva is seated on Nandi, while Nandi can be seen on a rectangular pedestal. Shiva is holding a Damaru and a Trident (Trishula) in his Right and Left Hands respectively. His hair are tied in a bun, while he appears to be almost naked. The Nandi (Bull), has an elongated neck, two horns on side of the face and long tail.
  • Inscription/Markings No
  • Reference" Chattopadhaya, Kamaladevi. Handicrafts of India. New Delhi: Indian Council for Cultural Research, 1975. O.C. Handa, Madhu Jain. Wood Handicraft. New Delhi: M.L Gidwani, Indus Publishing Company, 2000."
  • KeywordShiva, Lord, Mahadev, Nandi, Deity