India | ca. 19th Century
Key Features
Śiva - The Auspicious Lord as Sustainer and Protector
This 19th-century gouache painting presents Lord Shiva in a serene four-armed form, standing upon a jewelled pedestal with an expression of calm authority. Here, Shiva appears not as the fierce ascetic or cosmic dancer, but as the benevolent guardian of dharma, radiating grace, balance, and inward focus.
Iconography of the Four Arms
In two raised hands, Shiva holds divine emblems associated with purity and creation - including a parrot perched on a blossom, a symbol of speech, devotion, and the eternal cycle of rebirth. His remaining pair of hands is posed in abhaya (gesture of reassurance and protection) and varada (gesture of blessing and generosity), indicating a form that is both approachable and spiritually commanding.
Tiger-Skin Garment & Ascetic Majesty
Shiva’s tiger-skin wrap recalls his role as the master of wild energy, transforming raw instinct into awakened power. The tall, knotted hair crowned with a crescent moon reinforces his identity as the lord of yogis, while the layered gold ornaments and ceremonial green drapery reflect the devotional South Indian style in which Shiva is not only feared or worshipped - but loved.
South Indian Devotional Tradition
Executed with the jewel-bright colors and meticulous detailing characteristic of 19th-century South Indian workshop painting, this image would have served as a household protector, shrine companion, or pilgrimage keepsake - an object meant to invite Shiva’s presence into everyday life.
18 × 24 in Museum-Grade Print
Produced as an 18 × 24 inch poster on 350 GSM archival matte paper, this reproduction preserves the luminous pigments, gold accents, and devotional intensity of the original gouache - ideal for altars, meditation rooms, sacred studios, or collections honoring Shaiva tradition.
Why You’ll Love It
This four-armed Shiva embodies strength without aggression, and authority without force - a powerful symbol of grounding, spiritual confidence, and balanced inner energy. His presence brings clarity and calm wherever he resides.
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Invite the serene protection and blessings of Shiva into your space.
Available in 18 × 24 inches, with framed and unframed options, exclusively at The Soma Store.