This four-armed representation of the Hindu goddess Parvati is believed to be a syncretic form venerated in Odisha (Orissa). She stands with her left leg slightly bent (kuncitapada) on a double lotus base under an ornate arch atop pilasters. The goddess wears a tall crown (kirita mukuta) with a diadem adorned with a “Face of Glory” (kirttimukha). She is profusely embellished with heavy jewelry, including an ascetic’s sash (yoga patta) worn across her left shoulder, ornate hip belt (katibandha) with pearl pendants, and a single leg ornament on her left shin. Her sari is incised with delicate bands of scrolling floral motifs. In her upper right hand, she holds a now-damaged coiled cobra that may have doubled as a noose (naga pasha). In her lower right hand, she holds a rosary (akshamala). In her now-missing upper left hand, she grips the shaft of a broken attribute, perhaps an elephant goad (ankusha). Her lower left hand is held at a right angle away from her dangling arm in the restless hand gesture (lola mudra). It grasps a long stalk with two open lotuses (?) with large flowerheads behind each left hand. She is flanked by two identical female attendants, each holding a cobra in the right hand and perhaps a long flower (?) in the left hand. Parvati’s lion (simha) mount crouches in the left corner of the base and turns back to face his mistress snarling. Two flying celestial “Bearers of Wisdom” (vidyadharas) hover near her head. The one on her right holds a pearl garland, while the other carries an honorific fly whisk (cauri or chowri).
