Category

Hinduism

Time Period

12th century CE

Size

22.6 × 54.5 × 8 cm

Material

Black Schist

Shiva is one of the three main Hindu deities, the god of destruction and the god of dance. Shiva possesses the three powers of creation, procreation, and destruction, and is often depicted with three heads to represent this. The third eye on his forehead can emit divine fire during the period of destruction, annihilating gods and beings. His right hand holds symbols of destruction such as a club and trident, while his left hand simultaneously holds a double-sided drum capable of creating new life through its sound. This epitomizes Shiva's dual nature of both destructive terror and regenerative hope.