Image title: Surya (on horse)

This bronze sculpture shows an image of Surya (on horse), from the 17th century A.D.—The solar cult has a long history in Nepal. The stone images of the Sun God are available from the time of the Licchavi period. This metal image is a continuity of the ancient tradition where Surya is shown seating on the horse with both of his hands holding the lotus stem (kamala-nala).

Surya can also be spelled as Sūrya (सूर्य).

Gallery information:

The National Museum of Nepal (Rashtriya Museum) houses a variety of sculptures, carvings, statues, paintings and other objects grouped according to the major religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. This photo is from the Hindu bronze sculpture (dhatu-kala) section.