VIrabhadra - Lot 3

VIrabhadra India circa 16th-17th centuries Copper alloy, H. 23.5 cm This beautiful sculpture shows the god standing in his classical iconography, wearing padukas, and brandishing a sword with his four arms, shield, bow and arrow. He also wears a necklace of decapitated heads. Virabhadra, the "auspicious hero", is a fierce incarnation of Shiva. after learning of the immolation by fire of his beloved Sati, daughter of the god Daksha. Virabhadra beheaded Daksha and, vengeance accomplished, returned to Kailash. After forgiving Daksha, Shiva gave him a goat's head. Virabhadra's iconography is best known for a number of votive plaques votive plaques featuring the god surrounded by Sati and goat-headed Daksha. Provenance : - Collection of Dr. P.M.