Parvati The Body
Parvati, Consort of Shiva:
Theology in the Body
(Figure 1)
Kristin Buscone
Montserrat Our Bodies Seminar 100N-01
September 28, 2015
The bronze Parvati, Consort of Shiva sculpture is a representation of Parvati as a pervasive female force reflecting theological ideals. Parvati is depicted with a sensuous figure and as Shiva’s other half. She represents the active principle and strength of god influenced by Hindu religion and history.
The sculptures of Parvati, Consort of Shiva and the Buddha are both bronze sculptures created during the Chola period, yet there is a clear distinction between the two pieces with a more sensual and lighter connotation to the body of Parvati, in comparison to the rigid, less approachable impression …show more content…
Puja was an act of devotion to the gods and goddesses and the statue of Parvati would have been bathed in milk, curds, honey, butter, and water; dressed in rich fabrics; adorned with jewelry and flowers. This important Hindu ritual might have also involve the incense, music, bells, and chants. This would prepare the gods for temple processions and is an important part of worship in south India. The sculpture of Parvati’s body truly embodies the Hindu faith. This body is what the people praised and worshipped and used for the puja rituals because her beautiful, sensuous figure is an icon. In a passing conversation in the hallway of Fenwick, Professor Todd Lewis stated that “you can read the theology of Parvati in her body.” The sculpture of Parvati is an example of iconography meaning that there is more of an emphasis on the subject matter rather than the work of art. The form of the sculpture is important, but in the case of Parvati, the reflection of Hinduism is much more important. Through her body and the celebration of her body with art work such as this sculpture, the importance of Hindu devotion to gods is clearly exemplified. Parvati’s body is an icon of Hinduism and as a prevalent figure she represents
Theology in the Body
(Figure 1)
Kristin Buscone
Montserrat Our Bodies Seminar 100N-01
September 28, 2015
The bronze Parvati, Consort of Shiva sculpture is a representation of Parvati as a pervasive female force reflecting theological ideals. Parvati is depicted with a sensuous figure and as Shiva’s other half. She represents the active principle and strength of god influenced by Hindu religion and history.
The sculptures of Parvati, Consort of Shiva and the Buddha are both bronze sculptures created during the Chola period, yet there is a clear distinction between the two pieces with a more sensual and lighter connotation to the body of Parvati, in comparison to the rigid, less approachable impression …show more content…
Puja was an act of devotion to the gods and goddesses and the statue of Parvati would have been bathed in milk, curds, honey, butter, and water; dressed in rich fabrics; adorned with jewelry and flowers. This important Hindu ritual might have also involve the incense, music, bells, and chants. This would prepare the gods for temple processions and is an important part of worship in south India. The sculpture of Parvati’s body truly embodies the Hindu faith. This body is what the people praised and worshipped and used for the puja rituals because her beautiful, sensuous figure is an icon. In a passing conversation in the hallway of Fenwick, Professor Todd Lewis stated that “you can read the theology of Parvati in her body.” The sculpture of Parvati is an example of iconography meaning that there is more of an emphasis on the subject matter rather than the work of art. The form of the sculpture is important, but in the case of Parvati, the reflection of Hinduism is much more important. Through her body and the celebration of her body with art work such as this sculpture, the importance of Hindu devotion to gods is clearly exemplified. Parvati’s body is an icon of Hinduism and as a prevalent figure she represents