In Chola bronzes, Shiva Veenadhara (carrying the Veena) is an aspect of Mahadeva as a Universal teacher.

This traditional bronze statute presents Shiva standing in a poised manner, with his primary hands in the gesture of playing the lute.

Shiva’s elaborate Jatamukuta (crown of tresses), curling hair strands adorning his shoulders, simple necklaces, Yajnopavita, and a short dhoti are attires of an ascetic.

In his secondary hands, Veenadhara Shiva holds the goad and Pashu (the deer), attributes of Pashupatinath roopa, and symbols of his ability to regulate the cosmos.

Smiling to animate the statue, Shiva is sculpted in a rounded manner in this Panchaloha, making it a Darshana of the primordial teacher.