Bhairava

Jagnail, North Bengal, 10th century
Indian Museum, Calcutta

The fierce form of Shiva is well-portrayed in this shallow relief from north Bengal. The multi-headed god (five heads, and five pairs of arms, are visible) dances on his consort and holds a sword, arrow, staff, varada mudra, and skullcap in his right hands. His left hands grasp a circular shield, bow, clenched fist, snake, and skull trident. Flame motifs appear above the figure, and also - in a fine metaphysical and artistic concept - energize him by means of a "V" shape of directed energy from his consort (shakti) below. The fineness of the carving is best appreciated in closeup (bottom photo).