Image title: Shiva and Parvati in Armour

This stone sculpture shows Shiva and Parvati in Armour (Amour); from the 6/7th Century A.D.; found in Naghal Tole, Kathmandu.

This sculpture is part of the Narrative Panel of Kumarasambhava:—

“The narrative panels displayed here [viz., “Shiva Parvati in Armour”] are based on the versions of the story by Kalidasa, a master of Sanskrit literature, in his famed poetry Kumarasambhava. The Nepali artists perfectly caught the theme as narrated by the renowned poet Kalidasa and beautifully depicted their imagination in these panels. These panels from the 6th-7th century A.D. were recovered from the Kathesimbhu and Naghal Tol, Kathmandu.

“The sculptures placed in succession here represent, (viz., Shiva Parvati in an amorous mood, [...]). The facial composition of these sculptures display some Mongolian features and possess charming expression. With the execution of unique hair style, the harmonious balance of body proportion, beautiful garments and ornaments, these panels are considered to be the exotic creation of Nepali artists.”

In Nepali: “śivapārvatīko śṛṅgāra” (शिवपार्वतीको शृङ्गार).

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 stone sculpture (prastara-murti-kala) section.