“यज्ञस्वरूपाय जटाधराय

पिनाकहस्ताय सनातनाय ।

दिव्याय देवाय दिगम्बराय

तस्मै यकाराय नमः शिवाय”

In the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram, Mahadeva is evoked as the embodiment of Yagya, who keeps his hair in a matted updo, carries the Pinaka bow, the eternal god, and is represented by the syllable “ya”. 

The Pinaka-Dhara or Pinaka-Hasta Roopa of Shiva is presented in this rare, marvelous bronze statue. In addition to the legendary Pinaka bow, popularly known as “Shiva-Dhanusha”, Shiva carries Ankusha (goad), and Pashu (the antelope, a symbol of soul)- attributes associated with his other Vedic form- Pashupati, and the Trishula, the most powerful weapon and universal symbol of Shiva.

The bow-wielding Shiva is more popularly identified as “Tripuravijaya” or Tripurantaka” (the destroyer of three cities of demons). The sculpture essentially represents his warrior aspect, visible in the steadiness and musculature of his legs and ease of holding the weapons, as if they are an extension of his divine being. 

The elaborate Jatamukuta, dual-earrings, Yajnopavita, and tiger skin lower body garment adorn Shiva’s heavenly body. the perfection of the sculptor and sculpture is hidden at the reverse, with meticulous delineation of the strands of Shiva’s Jata, curls falling on his shoulder, and the Siraschakra. 

The graceful position of Shiva’s primary hands is such, that it reminds one of the beautiful Veenadhara Shiva (Shiva playing the Veena) bronzes. It is no surprise to see that the primordial god wields the two cosmic weapons with equal ease, as he does the melodious Veena, a masterful symbol of Shiva’s sublime, equanimous presence in creation and dissolution.