Shiva and Harihara

Ravana Phadi Cave Temple, Aihole

Two large carved figures stand to the right as you face the entrance to the linga shrine. The figure at photo left is a form of Shiva; he wears a skull in his headdress, and his right hand bears a staff with entwining snake. Another snake appears above his left shoulder. The figure at photo right is Harihara, a deity that is half-Vishnu, half-Shiva. The figure has four arms, the upper arms being faint and shallowly carved. His right upper hand bears a snake, and the right half of his headdress bears a crescent moon, both symbols of Shiva. His left upper hand bears the conch, a symbol of Vishnu.