Lord Shiva as a Column of Fire

Lord Shiva as a Column of Fire

Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal,8th Century CE

          Raja Vikramaditya II ( r. 734- 45 CE) had finally defeated the Pallava King of Kanchipuram. His two Queens, Lokmahadevi and Trilokmahadevi erected two temples at Pattadakal.  The Virupaksha temple was commissioned by Queen Lokmahadevi.  It is the pinnacle of Chalukyan architecture.  The fact that the queens commissioned the temples clearly proves the harmony within the royal harem. It is also testifies to the Socio-economic and political importance of the queens. 

         Since Goddess Lakshmi was the family Goddess, we see the Gajalakshmi sitting at the top. She is being bathed by two elephants. 

         In the Shiva  Purana there is a story about a pillar of fire which had suddenly appeared. Both Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma wanted to prove that one was better than the other. Brahma went towards the top of the flame ( the tiny figure on the left hand side), while Vishnu went towards the bottom of the flame ( figure has been damaged towards the right bottom). But neither could find the end of the flame. But to prove His superiority,  Brahma lied and claimed that he had discovered the top of the flame as He brought a Kewada flower from the tip of the flame. Lord Shiva appeared from the flame and cursed Brahma that He will not be worshipped as He had lied. Kewada flower would not be offered to the gods, only it's essence will be burned. For Kewada flower had conspired with Brahma to cheat Vishnu. 

        This story proves the superiority of Lord Shiva over the other two members of the Hindu Trinity. It also establishes the concept of crime and punishment.  Even the Creator can be punished.  For Dharma  ( the laws of righteous conduct ) are above Him. Rule of Law is eternal and omnipresent.