Tamil Nadu
Wood
Maha Devi or the Great Goddess was the female energy of Shiva. The Devis are generally seen as wives of the gods or river goddesses. In the post Vedic era, the generic term Devi assumed a new meaning, designating the great goddess ie Shiva’s cosmic energy (Shakti), the essence of all things. The concept of Devi developed over a long period of time, in which many local fertility and nature goddesses were absorbed into the Shaiva tradition to constitute Devi’s many facets. Bountiful goddesses, such as Parvati and Gauri, and destructive deities, such as Durga and Kali, merged into her complex personality, but despite their different names and functions, each of them is Devi, and she in turn represents their totality.
Chariots of Tamil Nadu, locally called ter, are intricate wooden structures of monumental size. The lower portion of the chariots are completely covered with timber panels carved with a wide range of figural and animal sculptures. These friezes, which constitute the finest wooden sculptures in the region, can be viewed only during the chariot festival; for the remainder of the year the chariots are parked in shelters to protect them from the sun and rain.
Size (cms): 43(H) x 13(W) x 10(D)
Size (inches): 17(H) x 5(W) x 4(D)
