Among the Pallava Period bronzes of the eighth century Shiva has been shown in the ardhaparyanka asana and achamana mudra. What do the asana and mudra suggest respectively?
1. He is about to destroy the Universe.
2. He is lifting mount Kailasha.
3. He is opening his third eye.
4. He is about to drink poison.
Select the correct answer using the codes below.
Explanation:
The icon of Shiva shown in the Pallava period is seated in ardhaparyanka asana (one leg kept dangling). The right hand is in the achamana mudra gesture, suggesting that he is about to drink poison. Since the above mentioned statements contain only one correct statement, D would be the correct answer. In other sculptures shown in ancient India, the union of Shiva and Parvati is very ingeniously represented in the ardhanarisvara murti in a single image. Beautiful independent figurines of Parvati have also been modelled,standing in graceful tribhanga posture.