Explore the Description of this artwork, Head of Shiva.
Shiva is considered as one of the major deities in Hinduism. Together with Vishnu and Brahma, Shiva is called the "trimurti" or triad of gods. Shiva is described as both destruction deity and creator deity. Shiva is the most revered god of Indian people, evolved from the Vedic period. The sect of Hinduism, which considers Shiva as the supreme deity is called Shaivism. Goddess Parvati is the consort of Shiva. Shiva is considered as the supreme god and creator of the universe in Shaivism. It is mentioned in Hindu mythology that, origin, destruction and maintenance of the universe is associated with Shiva’s dance. The Shiva concept can be seen in several Buddhist traditions. After being absorbed into Buddhism, Shiva is considered as a saint deity living in a heavenly kingdom. Mahayana Buddhism considers that Shiva is a divine saint inferior to Buddha. This statue of Shiva, created during the 10th century AD, was found from Vietnam. It is belonging to the Chams kingdom period of Vietnam. The statue measures 40 centimeters in height, 21.9 centimeters in width and 44.5 centimeters. This statue was purchased by Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, United States in 2014. Shiva is wearing an ornate crown and depicted with a smile.
Shiva Buddhist New York City Hinduism Buddhism Mahayana Chams kingdom Buddha Parvati trimurti New York Brahma Indian people Shaivism Vietnam Vedic period Vishnu Metropolitan Museum of Art Hindu mythology