VrishabhaPrathihara Dynasty, 10th Century AD, Kolkata Museum
One of the most unique pieces of Hindu iconography: a goddess with the head of a bull! This sculpture is highly symbolic. The goddess is none other than Parvati who holds her infant child Ganesh in her arm. She has the head of Nandi, the bull, Lord Shiva 's vehicle. The vehicle of the goddess, the Lion, roars at her feet. Although the figure must have been a ten - handed sculpture, but presently only three hands survive.
The goddess symbolises Nature. Like the bull, it is unpredictable; like the lion, it is all powerful. But it can be tamed by wisdom. What is true of mother Nature is equally true of us. Our mind is untamed, bull - headed, violent, deadly. But can be tamed by wisdom.
She's a Yogini, I think. Quite similar to those at Bhedaghat, Jabalpur.
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