Defining Features of the Somaskanda statue:  The statue is quite large.  Shiva is seated next to his wife Parvati in a relaxed posture.  He holds an axe and a deer.  Shiva's other two hands are held in front of him with one in the abhaya mudra position or "fear not" hand position.  Parvati is in a similar position to the form she takes as Bogashakti, "Boga" meaning pleasure and "Shakti" meaning energy.  This form embodies Devi's sexual energy.  Between the heavenly couple in their baby son, Murugan or Skanda.  

The base has beautiful carvings on it as well as two holes that are used by the faithful in India to put two poles through the base of the sculpture and carry it around in procession before it is placed into the inner sanctum of the temple.  Hindus believe that the actual god lies within all statues of the god.  Only by physically seeing the god is a Hindu able to experience the god.  Therefore the gods are often carried around the temple for all people to see and experience in the presence of the god.  

The Somaskanda Legend:  Legend has it that Vishnu, desirous of progeny, worshipped Shiva at Tiruvarur and that Shiva blessed him with a male child Kama. Parvati (Shakti), who was enraged by the fact that Vishnu had not included her in his worship of Shiva, inflicted a curse upon him that Vishnu's child would be burnt to death by Shiva. Upon realization of the curse, an aggrieved Vishnu created a composite image featuring Shiva, Uma and Skanda (Somaskanda - symbolic of fertility) and offered worship to it. Parvati alleviated the curse placed on him stating that despite being burnt to death, Kama would live on to create the forces of attraction between the male and the female that would ensure the continuation of the human race.  It is to be noted that Somaskanda represents the processional image of Shiva in most Saivite temples.

Care: The piece can be used both indoors and outdoors. Dust the piece regularly. If you would like the piece to shine use a cotton cloth with some coconut oil or other natural oil to wipe down the statue.

Shipping: Shipping is automatically calculated by UPS for shipping within the US and Canada. This piece should be shipped within 24 hours of the order with the exception of the weekend. If you are in Canada please select "UPS Standard to Canada" for the shipping option. If you are an international customer please select "TNT International Shipping" during checkout. The shipping will come out as $0 and will be added to your order. Please call 203-629-0902 or email us info@bronzecreative.com for a shipping quote. Please call Bronze Creative @ 866-568-8712, International 203-629-0902 or email us info@bronzecreative.com

Learn more about the Hindu God Shiva.

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7b1$5500