Buddhist Antiques, Asian and Indian Artifacts, Stone Siva Aspect

Stone Carving, 14th - 16th century Black Granite

Siva as Jnana Dakshinamurti

This form of Siva is highly popular and widely venerated in South India, particularly Tamil Nadu. Siva is seen here as the Supreme Guru and teacher of Rishis (great saints). Dakshina means "south facing" and this refers to his placement in the southern wall of Siva temples. South is the direction of death in the Hindu tradition and the home of Lord Yama. Siva is teaching that great wisdom tha enables the yogi to gain consciousness of Brahman beyond the realm of death. He is shown seated under the spreading canopy of a Banyan tree, long associated with auspiciousness and protection. Beneath Siva's right foot is he dwarf-like form of Apasmarapurusa, a common feature to various forms of Siva, especially that of Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. Apasmarapurusa is the personification of ignorance - forgetfulness and density. In one of his hands is shown a snake, symbolic of the unrisen kundalini energy that Siva Dakshinamurti can release through his profound teaching.

Siva Dakshinamurti holds in his upper right hand a serpent noose and in his upper left, the flame of gnosis. The lower right hand is in vyakhyanamudra where the index finger and thumb are brought together. This is the gesture of knowledge - the silent transmission of Brahman. His lower left hand holds a palm leaf manuscript - perhaps the Dakshinamurti Sutra. Siva wears his hair in a massive crown of dreadlocks - a jata which is a special feature of Dakshinamurti. On the base between Apasmarapurusa and Siva in low relief are the forms of venerating sages.

This iconographic representation of Siva is often worshipped on Thursdays as the image of the Guru of the Gods Brhaspati or Jupiter. The two are seen as identical. On this day Jnana Dakshinamurti is dressed in yellow cloth, garlanded with yellow flowers and offered yellow items of food. A pleased Guru Brhaspati grants optimism, wealth, honor and a vast spiritual perspective.