Shiva And The Four Rishis, Vakyana Dakshinamurti, India.

Shiva surrounded by four Rishis, South India, copper alloy, 17th/18th century. Two notches at the back indicate the position of the fig tree, now disappeared. Provenance: Claude de Marteau. H 7.3 cm x W 5 cm x D 3.5 cm Sold with certificate of provenance The four Rishi surrounding Shiva are often identified as the great sages (Maharishi) who have a particular importance in Hinduism. They are generally Vasishtha, Vishvamitra, Agastya and Bharadwaja. They represent wisdom, knowledge, and are associated with different spiritual traditions and teachings. Vyakhyana Dakshinamurti refers to a specific form of Shiva, Dakshinamurti, who is the god of knowledge and teaching, represented in the Hindu tradition as the supreme master who teaches through silence. “Vyakhyana” means “explanation” or “commentary,” and in this context, it refers to the silent teachings of Dakshinamurti, who imparts wisdom and ultimate understanding without words. As Dakshinamurti, Shiva is often depicted sitting beneath a banyan tree, teaching the wise Rishis surrounding him. View this statue of Shiva and the 4 Rishis in full screen mode on Vintage Addict