Indian

Hindu temples are typically ornamented both inside and out with relief sculptures. The wear on this sculpture indicates it was located outside, exposed to natural elements. Worshippers viewed it from below as they circled the building clockwise before entering the temple hall. Shiva, the powerful god of destruction and regeneration, grants blessings while his beloved wife Parvati (also known as Uma) sits affectionately on his left knee. The figures at the base include their sons, the elephant-headed Ganesha and Kartikeya, a destroyer of demons. At their feet is Shiva’s mount, Nandi the bull.