Yoga Sitarama

Here Rama is sitting on an inverted lotus, which in turn is supported by a square base with an extended ridge.

Sitting in Ardhapadmasana his right hand is bent towards his chest, with the loop formed by thumb and forefinger touching his chest. This hand position is called Dahara mudra, contemplation of the Lord in the heart. This is a yoga position/mudra.

Rama’s left hand is resting on his left knee. His consort, Sita, is sitting on his left thigh, in Lalitasana with her left leg pendant. Sita’s right leg is tucked under her left leg. Sita is holding, what appears to be, a lotus in her left hand and her right hand is holding Rama by his waist.

Rama’s ornaments include crown, elaborate earrings, necklaces and one of which has a large pendant, waist belt, arm bands, wrist bands, anklets and rings on the fingers. He is wearing a full length lower garment.

Compared to Rama’s ornaments Sita looks bare. Interestingly Sita is looking up to Rama rather than facing the devotees.

The presence of quiver, by Rama’s right knee, and the bow , kept flat on the left help us in identifying this Vigraha. Another detail to note is the Yogapatta. The back view gives a clearer picture of the Yogapatta.

The side flares of his scarf are highly stylized. For another example please see Yogarama without bow and arrow.

This Vigraha is about 8 cm in height. This Vigraha is from Orissa . It may not be earlier than the 18th century.

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