The Ekapada Murti/ Egapatha Moorthy, a distinctive manifestation of Lord Shiva, holds significance primarily in South India, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Nepal. Depicted in three main forms, the Ekapada-murti features Shiva as one-legged and four-armed. In the Ekapada-Trimurti, he displayed standing on one leg while the images of Vishnu and Brahma, emerge from that one leg, balancing at both sides, symbolizing the Hindu Trinity.
Originating from the Vedic Aja Ekapada, this form signifies the Axis Mundi, highlighting Shiva as the Supreme Lord from whom Vishnu and Brahma originate. Ekapada's iconography emphasizes his connection to severe penance, often accompanied by ascetic attendants.
This Ekapatha Moorthy, a Panchaloha Bronze sculpture from Swamimalai using the Madhuchista Vidhana (Lost-Wax) technique, portrays a divine trinity with intricate detail and symbolism. Lord Shiva, in the center, holds a Parashu (axe) and a deer in his upper hands, signifying his role as the destroyer and protector of the cosmos. His lower hands express the Abhaya (fearlessness) and Varada (boon-granting) Mudra.
Lord Brahma, on one side, carries an akashmala (rosary) and a kamandalu, with his lower hands in namaskar mudra, representing reverence. On the other side, Lord Vishnu wields a Shankha and Chakra in his upper hands, while folding his lower hands in namaskar mudra, symbolizing devotion.
Lord Shiva's Jatamukuta and flowing side locks evoke a celestial aura, resembling clouds. The sculpture stands on a lotus podium, symbolizing wisdom and purity. The amalgamation of these divine elements in the Ekapatha Moorthy reflects the interconnectedness and balance within the Hindu trinity, portraying their respective attributes and roles in the cosmic order. This masterpiece serves as a sacred embodiment of artistic craftsmanship and spiritual symbolism, inviting devotees to contemplate the divine qualities embodied by Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu.
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