Karnataka
brass alloy
A fine brass repousse plaque. The central standing figure of Virabhadra is flanked by the diminutive figures of Bhadrakali and the goat headed Daksha. He is shown with fours arms in which he carries his usual attributes of bow, arrow, sword and shield. He wears a tall crown, a collar, two necklaces and sandals. A garland of skulls decorates the bottom of his dhoti (loincloth). The figures are placed within an arch or prabhavali at the centre of which is a kirtimukha (face of glory). A naga (serpent) forms a canopy above Virabhadra’s head. Symbols of the sun, moon, nandi and lingam are depicted on the plaque. This deity is a form of Shiva who created him to act as his henchman in his quarrel with Daksha. Virabhadra is worshipped especially in southern Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Size (cms): 24 (H) x 16 (W)
Size (inches): 9.5 (H) x 6.5 (W)
