975-1025

The God Karttikeya

Karttikeya is the younger son of the god Shiva. In Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva, an image of Karttikeya was often placed in the central niche of the west wall with Shiva's elder son, Ganesha, on the south wall. Parvati, Shiva's wife, frequently appeared on the north wall. In this way Shiva proliferated into the surrounding world through family members. Karttikeya is depicted here in keeping with eastern Indian conventions - standing, accompanied by his peacock vehicle and by his wife, Devasena, who supports his other emblem, the rooster.