Subrahmanya is a conglomerate deity formed by the theological assimilation of the youthful north Indian Hindu god of war known as Kumara, Skanda, or Karttikeya and the ancient south Indian tutelary deity Murugan. Due to his syncretic origins, he is accorded various birth legends with his parents most often identified as Shiva and Parvati, or as Agni and Svaha or Ganga. Subrahmanya can be portrayed with various handheld symbols and weapons. His primary attribute, the spear (vel or shakti), is here held diagonally across his torso. In addition, his two upper arms carry the thunderbolt (vajra). His lower right hand is held in the gesture of reassurance (abhaya mudra). His lower left hand is in the gift-giving position (varada mudra). Subrahmanya sits on a plinth in the posture of relaxation (lalita asana) behind his peacock mount called Paravani, which is shown here trampling a serpent. He is flanked by his seated wives, Devasena on his left and the green-skinned Valli on his right, who both hold lotuses. In the lower corners are two regents of the directions (dikpalas). On the left is Agni (southeast). He has flaming hair (kesha mandala) and four arms. He carries a sword and an iron club (tomara) in his lower hands and hatchets or chisels (tanka) in his upper hands. On the right is the dark-skinned Yama (south). He holds a staff (danda) behind his head. The composition is set within a gilt gesso lobed arch with the peacock’s fantail serving as an areola behind the deities.