In the Tamil Shaiva tradition, Uma-Parvati, the beloved of Lord Shiva is evoked as the energy that empowers Shiva, her presence is what makes Mahadeva Shiva auspicious for his devotees. This belief in the inseparability of Shiva and Shakti manifests itself in a rich profusion of Panchaloha Uma bronzes which depict the mother goddess as Palli Arai Devi or the goddess of the Bedchamber (of Shiva).
These Uma bronze icons are sparsely adorned yet represent one of the most enchanting forms of the great Hindu goddess, who is endearingly called- “Bhogashakti”- the goddess (Shakti) who is the sole cause of Shiva’s pleasure (Bhoga). A towering Jatamukuta, a crown made by securing the thick tresses of Uma Parvati with a tiara and beaded strings allow a row of curls to fall on Devi’s forehead framing her flawlessly round face, bowed eyebrows, almond eyes, sharp nose, and upward curving lips smiling gently.
Uma’s right hand is raised in the Katakahasta mudra while her left-hand rests comfortably on the bronze lotus throne. A beautifully decorated Masanad (bolster) supports the Panchaloha bronze Uma Parvati’s leg placed on her seat which along with her pendant left leg is wrapped in a snug dhoti decorated with faint waves that represent the fine folds of its fabric.
The greyish tone of this bronze Uma has infused the icon with a distinctive earthy shade which is enhanced by the fleshiness of Devi’s bosom and shapely waist. Emphasizing the inert beauty of Uma, the maker of this Panchaloha bronze has kept her ornamentation to a minimum, which includes a beaded necklace, armbands, waistband, Yajnopavita (sacred thread) knotted on the shoulder, and anklets.
This bronze Uma statue is sculpted in a rounded manner resulting in a true-to-life representation of the perfection of Shiva’s beloved. A floral Siraschakra (hair ornament), five strands of hair, and adornment of the waistcloth on the reverse of the Uma statue speak for the balance with which all the attributes of Uma Parvati are molded in this bronze.
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