This is Parvathi as a Tapasvini, an ascetic performing penance.

Parvathi is identified by her association with Saivite symbols (Linga and Ganesha) in her hands and her vahana, a lion, on the pedestal. Her lower hands are holding Akshamala (Prayer beads) and Kamandalu (Water pot).

Parvathi carrying Linga and Ganesha is the unusual aspect. I have seen one other such example, shown on our right (courtesy Olympia auctions), a seated figure with simpler features. For background on Parvathi as Tapasvini form see another blog, Gauri from Karnataka.

The picture on our left is from cave 16, Ellora. Photo courtesy of AIIS. The attributes match. The cave dates to the eighth-ninth century. T A G Rao’s book on Elements of Hindu Iconography mentions this sculpture and she is identified as Parvati. Finding this close match was one of my ‘eureka’ moments.

Despite the fact she is shown as an ascetic, her ornamentation is complete, and she is of course graceful.

Take time to enjoy the casting quality, fine detailing of Linga and Ganesha, and the engraved designs.

This Vigraha is from the Gujarat region, and it may be dated to the eighteenth century or earlier. She stands 14.5 cm tall.