This is Dakshinamurthy, a form of Siva. There are four major forms of Dakshinamurthy: Yoga Dakshinamurthy (the teacher of Yoga), Vyakhana (an expounder of knowledge and wisdom), Veenadhara (the lord of music, art and dance) and Janana (imparting knowledge and wisdom through self-realisation).

This particular Vigraha seems to be a combination of the first three, Yoga, Vykhana and Veenadhara.

The yoga patta (see the left leg and the last photo in the above mosaic) emphasises the Yoga part. The attributes akshamala (upper right hand), pustaka (lower right hand) and the cin mudra of the lower right hand reinforce the Vyakhana aspects. The Vina (a string instrument in his upper left hand) shows his affiliation with music.

It is unusual to find a combination of different forms. But then, devotion knows no bounds. A rare treat.

This is a folk version, and it is possibly from the Telugu-speaking areas of South India. It is about 11 cm in height. This may be dated to the nineteenth century.

23 Nov 2025: A comment from a dealer-friend, someone I respect. “Good evening Sir. One of the rarest forms of Shiva in seated posture, and very rightly you have observed that the 3 important aspects of Shiva as Dakshinamorthy are so meticulously portrayed in one bronze. Shiva is seated in all grace blessing His devotees. Thanks for sharing this wonderful image and many more. Sincerely wish you accquire such many more wonderful Vigrahas”.