This is Chandikesvara (Chandesa), one of the sixty three Nayanars of Saivite faith. The Nayanars are devotees of Shiva and are historical figures, lived during the 6th-8th century. The Nayanars were responsible for the Bhakti movement. Here Chandikesvara is identified by the axe.

The story: As a young boy, Vicarasarman as he was known, was devoted to Shiva. He was entrusted the job of looking after the villagers’ cows. While tending the cows, he regularly used some of their milk to anoint a Linga of sand that he made. The loss of milk was noticed. One day Chandesa’s father, Datta, went to investigate and saw what Chandesa was doing. The enraged father kicked the sand Lingam. As Chandesa’s prayer was interrupted, and he struck his father’s leg with a staff. The staff turned into an axe and his father’s leg was cut off. Then Shiva manifested himself, and elevated Chandesa to the supreme state of a devotee (Candesapada), and restored the severed leg of Datta to normal state.

In addition to being worshipped among the Nayanars, Chandikesvara has other roles. He is the protector of Shiva’s property. In that role, in Shivite temples he has a mini-shrine to the Northern side Shiva’s sanctum. Chandikesvara is also one of the pancamurtis carried out in procession. The Vigraha of Chandikesvara being placed at the end of the procession, as the general supervisor.

This Vigraha is about 8 cm tall and it is from Tamil Nadu. It may be dated to the nineteenth century or a bit earlier. The casting includes the axe and it makes this Vigraha a bit more special.

To clean or not to clean:

There is always an argument about whether or not to clean Indian antique bronzes. Part of the reason for the argument is cultural. All Vigrahas used in worship are cleaned regularly. When it comes to collecting, some people prefer to retain them in the original condition and preserve the patina and history of usage. Normally I clean them if the accumulated dirt/deposits hide the features and details. The photos above are examples supporting the ‘pro cleaning’ school.

Reference: Masterpieces of early South Indian Bronzes by R Nagaswamy.