Description

An antique Indian bronze votive planque depicting the Hindu god, Virabhadra. Considered the protector of Hinduism, Virabhadra is an incarnation of Shiva.
Although they were not invited, Shiva and his wife, Sati attended a yajna (a sacrificial ritual) hosted by her father, Daksha. Sati’s father did not approve of the ascetic Shiva and insulted Sati. In despair, Sati threw herself on the ritual pyre. When Shiva learned of Sati’s death, he tore his hair out in anger. From this sprang the hero god, Virabhadra. He cut off the head of Daksha and replaced it with that of a ram.
On this plaque, Virabhadra holds a shield, a mace, a bow and a sword. In the lower left hand side of the plaque is Daksha with a rams head. (He later became a devotee of Virabhadra.) On the right is his consort, Bhadrakali. Above is the head of a cobra.
From the Deccan Plateau of Central India.

Age: 17th century

Dimensions: 7 1/2″ high x 4 1/2″ wide x 1 3/4″ deep