Chola period bronze idols discovered

Three bronze idols of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati were unearthed at Airavateeswara Temple, Darasuram, in Thanjavur district. The Siva idol, measuring two feet four inches x one ft five inches and Parvati measuring one ft three inches x two feet, were found in the north west corner of the cloister `Mandapa’ at a depth of 2.5 ft during conservation work carried out by Archaeological Survey of India, Chennai circle.
According to Sathyabhama Badreenath, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Chennai circle, the idols are a part of the Somaskanda group though they are two separate pieces. Siva is seated in `Sukhasana’ position with four arms, the upper arm carrying `mriga’ and `mazhu’ (battle axe) while the lower arms are in `abhaya’ and `simhakarna’ positions.
The idol is adorned with Jatamakuta, Udharabhanda, etc. Parvati is also in `Sukhasana’ position and her right hand looks as if she is holding a lotus. [ Chola period bronze idols discovered]

The article has pictures of both the idols.

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