Matrikas
ca. 9th century
This panel depicts a scene referred to as "Siva and the mothers," or matrikas, a group of seven goddesses who represent the sakti, the active energy of the gods. Joining them is Siva, at left, in his manifestation as lord of music playing the flute, and the elephant-headed god, Ganesa, to the far right. The sixth figure in the row is Varaha, who is the sakti and matrika of Vishnu as the boar Varaha. Such images were usually part of a lintel over a doorway in Hindu temples.
Sandstone
15 x 38 5/16 x 5 1/2 in. (38.1 x 97.35 x 13.97 cm)
Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection
68.118
