Kuthara (Nachna), M.P., Caturmukha Mahadeva Temple. Caturmukha Linga. 8th cent. A.D. c.
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Kramrisch, Stella
Photographer: Arthur Llewellyn Basham
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The 4-faced Linga is in the centre of the Garbhagriha. The significance of this symbol is the same as that of Mahadeva in Elephanta. The latter is a relief & does not show the fourth face of Siva (the face of Sadyojata). It faces away from the entrance towards the back wall of the Garbhagriha of the Caturmukha Mahadeva Temple. The four faces of Siva comprise his total manifestation, in the four directions. The 5th face is not shown. It is known to face upward where the pillar of the Linga raises its dome shape (The 5th face, Isana, is ontologically the first face of the 'coming into manifestation' of the transcendental Siva.) A Linga of this type is known as Caturmukha or Pancamukha, of 4 face or of 5 faces. Their eyes are open on the Linga in Kuthara. The roaring mouth of Aghora-Bhairava, the third eye on the forehead, the three folds of the neck are symbols. Here they are only conventionally part of the sculptural form. It is spread out at the base and forms a square plinth. -- 4ft. 8 ins. High
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Basham Collection
Date created
1954
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This item is provided for research purposes. Contact the Australian National University Archives at butlin.archives@anu.edu.au for permission to use.
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