UMA MAHESWARA

Uma Maheswara is another name of Parvati and Shiva. When Shiva is represented with his consort Parvati or Uma, in composition called Uma Maheswara. In this position Shiva, Maheswara is shown sitting in a relaxed posture (Lalitasana) in his home Mount Kailash with his wife Uma as she sits on his left thigh and resting in the body of Nandi his mount at his right side. He has four arms, the top right holding a string of beads (Akshyamala) and the top left a trident (trisula). The front right hand is turned downwards in the gesture of bestowing (Varada mudra) while the left is under the left shoulder of Uma. His hair is shaped in Jata, theat is braided and piled high in the characteristic left thigh with her right hand. Her left leg raised on the seat . The part of her body is turned gracefully outwards with her right foot hanging down and resting on the back or her tiny mount, the lion. Uma is holding a flower in her left hand. The Uma Maheswara composition became a prototype representation of peaceful aspects of Shiva and Parvati.