Image title: The God Shiva

The God Shiva [Roof bracket; ca. A.D. 1678]—Adopting the cross-legged pose typical of tree goddesses, the multi-headed and multi-armed god stands on a lotus blossom supported by two reclining bulls. Wearing a tiger skin loincloth and fear-evoking ornaments of skulls and serpents, the multi- faceted Shiva by these emblems manifests his destructive power. In the rocky setting beneath, the god Vishnu stands between an elaborately coiffed female on horseback and a male worshiper. This partial roof bracket originally adorned a nearby multi-roofed temple known as Vishvanatha or Bhaidevala dedicated to Shiva. It was erected in 1678 but was partially destroyed in the 1934 earthquake and restored as a domed temple.

Gallery information:

The Patan Museum is located on the Durbar square of Patan (Lalitpur/Lalitapura, Kathmandu, Nepal) which is associated Keshav Narayan Chowk (Keshavnarayan)—a form of Lord Vishnu. Being listed as a World Heritage Site, the whole of Durbar square is filled with exquisite temples, sculptures and other ancient structures, of which the ancient history history can be traced to the Malla Kings of Lalitpur. It is an important site for both Buddhism and Hinduism.