Description of Candesanugraha-Murti

This [candesanugraha-murti] form of Shiva is also accompanied with Parvati and Skanda. In the left side, the face is somewhat in the position looking downward. The right hand is with Varadamudra, while the left is without Katakamudra. In this form both the hands may be in the heart region in the Anjali posture. This Murti is portrayed under a big tree. The right leg is in straight pose upto the Nalakagra of the left leg. Sometimes the left leg is in a slightly bent form. In the right side the Purvahastahas are in the Jnanamudra and the Parahasta 138

of the sameside has the Aksamala. The left hand is either with the Varadamudra or with the Danda. Here the tuft of the hair is scattered around in a careless manner. The matted hair looks like a crown. The left side of the head is adorned with the Datura flower and a serpent, while right half has the crescent moon. The dress and sacred thread are white in complexion. The form has three eyes, alive and alert. Another noticed feature of the form is that on the right side there are Narada, Jamadagni and Vasistha, whereas the left side is occupied by Bharadvaja, Sunaka and Agastya. The Kinnaras are seated in the side of foot with great devotion. The Candesanugrahamurti of Siva can be seen in Siva temple at Gangaikondacolapuram and it belongs to the Cola period of the first quater of the 11th century AD. In the Kailasanatha temple at Kanjeepuram is another one. In Kerala this Anugrahamurti is found in the Sthanusvamin temple at Suchindram. 18