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Shravanabelgola, Karnataka
Five goddesses line the temple roof, facing Gommateshvara. Click inside any image for a closer view. Traditionally called "The Five Sarasvatis", their identification depends on their animal vahanas at the base of the sculptures. Numbering from left to right, Goddess 1 (lion) is Parvati with Skanda. Goddess 2 (goose) is Brahmani. Goddess 3 (elephant) should be Indrani. Goddess 4, holding the vina, is certainly Sarasvati. Goddess 5 is unidentified.
In the overall context of the temple, Gommateshvara is associated, through his father Adinath, with both Vishnu (via Rama) and Shiva; the goddesses are their consorts.
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