Panchaloha bronzes of Uma-Parvati from the temple town of Swamimalai in Tamil Nadu, are one of the finest examples of South Indian iconography to date. With devout attention to the dhyana-mantra (mantra for remembering the divine), Shloka (hymns), and Puranic and literary lores, the artist sculpts the most enchanting icons of Uma as Shivakamasundari- the beautiful lady (Sundari) who instills passion (Kama) in Shiva.
Observing and marveling at a Panchaloha bronze Uma statue like the one we have here, is a complete lesson on the ancient iconographic treatise and their rules on molding the perfect feminine form. Being a part of Shiva shrines, a Uma bronze is a pious and deific presence, which is always sculpted with a fitting platform of inverted lotus.
Here you see a lotus pedestal placed on a secondary square base which adds to the overall stature of the beauteous Uma Shivakamasundari. On the stately platform, Uma stands in a graceful Tribhanga, or triple-bent posture that accentuates her youthful allure. A towering Kiritamukuta (conical crown) sits on her head, Makara (a mythical animal that symbolizes divine beauty) shaped earrings adorn her ears, two strings of necklaces cling close to her neck, fine Skandha-aabhushana (shoulder ornaments) highlight her shapely limbs, Mayura (peacock) feather shaped Keyura (armband) is tied around her arm, a Yajnopavita (sacred thread) meanders across her tastefully appealing torso, and an ornate Mekhla (girdle) clasps her lithesome waist.
According to Indian iconographical traditions, the eyebrows should be like two leaves and a bud, her nose should be sharp as a parrot’s beak, her eyes should be shaped like fishes, lips should resemble the softness of pink flowers, and her thighs should be formed like the stalk of a banana tree, and her hips should mirror the grace of an elephant’s trunk.
With a closer look at the limbs, posture, and appearance of this bronze Uma icon, we can begin to see these principles being followed by the Sthapati, to reach an enthralling artwork worthy of being praised. The delicate lips of Uma carry a warming inward smile, which she offers to her beloved Shiva, along with a blue lily which she carries in her right hand, raised in the Kataka-hasta mudra.
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