Surya is identified by the two lotus flowers in his hands. Surya’s consort is seated on his left lap. Surya’s bronzes with his consort are rare. Normally, Surya is depicted riding his chariot or standing by himself.

Chaya, Usa, Lakshmi, Rajni, and Svarna are sometimes referred to as his wives. Reference to Chaya as his consort is the most frequent.

It is quite likely this would have been mounted on a pedestal with Prabhavali at the back. Even in this form, it is a collector’s item.

This Vigraha is from Western India. It is 6 cm in height, a miniature packed with details. This vigraha may be dated to the eighteenth century or earlier.

There are three more seated Surya in my collection. Two of them are from East India, dating to the Pala period, and one from Nepal, dating to the nineteenth century.