Caṇḍeśānugrahamūrti (चण्डेशानुगृहमूर्ति) – Lord Śiva blessing CaṇḍeśaOne of the most striking

Caṇḍeśānugrahamūrti (चण्डेशानुगृहमूर्ति) – Lord ŚivablessingCaṇḍeśa

One of the most striking sculptures found in the Bṛhadīśwara Temple at Gañgāikoṇḍa Coḷapuram is a classical murti or form of Lord Śiva, that of Caṇḍeśānugrahamūrti – thus form is based on the legend of the ŚaivadevoteeCaṇḍeśa who was blessed by Lord Śiva – the Caṇḍeśa in this sculpture in this temple represents the king Rājendra Coḷan himself. Depicted here in life size high bas relief, kneeling at the feet of the Lord who bestows his blessings by winding a garland of flowers around the king’s crown while Devī Umā Parameśwarī looks on benignly.

The temple is believed to have been completed in 1035 CE in the 9^th regnal year of King Rājendra I

Bṛhadīśwara Temple, Gañgāikoṇḍa Coḷapuram