A History of the World in 100 Objects cover image

Shiva and Parvati sculpture

A History of the World in 100 Objects

CHAPTER

The Presence of God in Your Life

The sculpture was certainly made for a temple, but it is very much about a one-to-one contact with God. The experience of encountering this sculpture would be only part of a relationship with the divine that you might begin in the temple and then carry on at home. Looking at the sculpture is simply the starting point for a daily dialogue that will ultimately shape every part of your existence. By going to the temple, you see this image that is the presence. Their mutual devotion is mirrored by the animals at their feet. Shiva's bull echoing his master's doting gaze, while Parvati's lion smiles bashfully in response.

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