OBJECTS OF RELIGIOUS CEREMONIAL 93 



figures, perhaps representing the trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and 

 Siva), and below, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Prithivi, the 

 goddess of the earth, on his right and left sides, respectively. Height, 

 19 inches: width 9}^ inches. Mopami, Central Provinces, India. 

 (Cat. No. 155185, U.S.N.M.) 



6. Vishnu. — Stele of basalt, carved in high relief. In the center, 

 Vishnu standing with his usual attributes. Above, two small figures 

 seated. At his sides, Lakshmi and Prithivi, as in the preceding 

 number, flanked by mythical animals. Farther down are again two 

 small female figures, while the base is likewise adorned with small 

 figures, besides floral and other ornaments. The stele, which meas- 

 ures 40 by 23 inches, is exquisitely carved, but considerably mutilated, 

 on a lotus base. Provenance unknown. 



7. Siva. — Statuette of marble, painted and gilded. Represented 

 seated in the easy or sporty posture, with left leg drawn in, with four 

 arms. In the upper right hand he holds the trident; in the left, a 

 club; in the lower right, a chaplet; in the left, perhaps the kettle- 

 drum. At his left side is his spouse, Parvati (Durga, Uma, etc.), 

 seated in the attitude of meditation or devotion. At either end of the 

 base is his vehicle or vahan, the bull. 



Siva is the third member of the Hindu triad or Trimurti, the de- 

 stroyer and re-creator. He is the most awful and sublime divinity 

 of modern Hinduism and has, among other names, that of Mahadeva, 

 "the great god." His wife, often represented at his side, is Parvati 

 (Devi, Durga, etc.). Siva is represented and worshiped under various 

 aspects. He has three eyes, which are supposed to denote his sight 

 in the past, present, and future, or representing the sun, moon, and 

 fire; around his head and neck serpents are twined; in his arms he 

 holds a trident, a skull-surmounted staff, an ax, and other weapons; 

 on his head he usually bears the symbol of the fertilizing river Ganges, 

 and his vehicle (vahan) is the bull Nandi. As presiding over repro- 

 duction, which follows destruction, he is generally worshiped under 

 the phallic symbol (called linga), and his devotees (Sivaites) carry 

 about their persons a miniature phallic emblem. As Panchanana, 

 he is represented with five faces, and is invoked under this name as the 

 physician god. The center of the worship of Siva is the city of Be- 

 nares. In the rear of his temples is always found a shrine with the 

 linga, while the bull Nandi stands at the entrance, and a trident 

 adorns the tops. The higher castes worship him by hanging a wreath 

 of blossoms around the linga, or by placing before it offerings of 

 flowers and rice; the lower castes with bloody sacrifices. It is assumed 

 that formerly human sacrifices were offered to him and his consort. 

 Many of his followers practice great austerities and resort to cruel 

 rites as a means of gaining his favor. On his festival, Siva-ratri (in 

 February), a strict fast is observed during the day and a vigil held at 



