Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Monuments > Iconography of Uma
Iconography of Uma
Iconography of Uma is always associated with Maheshwara or Lord Shiva and most common among the Shaiva cult.

Share this Article:

Iconography of Uma, Religious Iconography in IndiaGoddess Uma is one of the commonest form of images associated with female deity worship among the people belonging to the Shaiva cult. Early texts like the Mrichhakatika are the ones which talk in detail about the worship of the goddess. The most common image which is associated with this female deity is that of her sitting on the lap Mahapadmanavana.

The Matsya Purana contains a detailed description of the images of goddess Uma. But the images of the deity which have been discovered conform to another Puranic tradition rather than the tenets of Matsya Purana. The other Puranic tradition says that the upper right hand of the god holds the nagapasa or khatavanga and the other right hand sportively touches the chin of the Goddess. While the upper left hand of the god holds the trident and the lower left hand is placed on the bosom of the goddess. Some of the images show Lord Shiva as sitting on a lotus with the pendant right leg resting on the back of the Bull placed below. While Uma his consort sits on his thigh. Her right hand hangs out and is simply placed on her vahana or vehicle, that is, the lion.

In other iconographies it has been represented that the god that is Lord Shiva has four hands. He holds the mirror in upper right hand and touches the chin of the goddess with the lower right hand. Along with the images god and goddesses the figures of Ganesha and Kartikeya are also shown on either side of the lotus pedestal upon which the image of Uma-Mahasvera is placed.

There are also some unusual images of the goddess Uma. In the unusual iconographies, Maheshwara is shown in `yab-yum` (father-mother) attitude with his Shakti. The four armed deity wears a Jatamukta with a circular halo behind and holds a damaru with the upper left hand and a trident has been placed on the upper right hand. On the other hand the lower right hand of the deity touches the shoulder of the goddess and the lower left hand is placed on the breast of the female deity. In this iconography, Lord Ganesha is shown represented in front against the back of the goddess and Lord Kartikeya is represented seated to the left side of the god with folded hands. This particular iconography of goddess Uma is most common and has been preserved with great care.

It has been found out that this particular image of the god and the goddess have been derived from the Buddhist pantheon and had developed during the later phase of Tantrik Buddhism. Hence the most common iconography of the goddess dates back to the 12th century A.D.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Monuments


Monuments of Punjab
Monuments of Punjab are the founding stones of the state. Punjab has numerous historical monuments and religious monuments scattered throughout its different cities.throughout its different cities.
Monuments of Lakshwadeep
Monuments of Lakshwadeep are famous for their ancient religious feel and historical value.
Monuments of Jharkhand
Monuments of Jharkhand are well maintained by the state government as these are popular tourist destinations. These monuments are remnants of the history of the region, narrating significant incidents from the past.
Monuments of Haryana
Monuments of Haryana represent the glorious culture and history dating back to thousands of years. These monuments are popular for their historical, religious, or political significance.
Monuments of West Bengal
Monuments of West Bengal, mainly from the British era, are considered as priceless heritage of the state and attracts many tourists to the state.
Monuments of Andaman And Nicobar Island
Monuments of Andaman and Nicobar Island loaded with their rich past unveils the history of India. Most of the monuments here are reminiscence of dark and brutal rule of the British Empire in India.
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh represents several wonderful and glorious sagas of various ruling dynasties of the past. Most of these monuments are protected by the government for their architectural excellence and historical significance.
Monuments of Chhattisgarh
Monuments of Chhattisgarh have a significant role to play in the state`s tourism. The land has a rich cultural and political history that is reminiscent in the historical forts, palaces and temples of Chhattisgarh and are great tourist attractions.
Monuments of Telangana
Monuments of Telangana covers the ancient, medieval and modern historical structures illustrating the architectural grandeur and attracting thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Monuments of South India
Monuments of South India show strong Dravidian traditions and are located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Tombs in India
Tombs in India are famous all over the world for their architectural beauty and most of these tombs have been built in the medieval period. Travellers from all across the globe throng these historical sites.
Daulat Khana
Daulat Khana complex belongs to the early phase of Nawabi construction in Lucknow. It was commissioned to be built by Nawab Asaf ud Daulah. The Daulat Khana Complex consists of the Shish Mahal, the Shish Mahal Ka Talab and the Baradari Shish Mahal.
Mahesh Vilas Palace
Mahesh Vilas Palace is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh amidst 35 acres of Lush Green Lawns, Fountains and Orchards.
Architecture Of Andhra Pradesh
Architecture of Andhra Pradesh is an illustration of diverse types of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic architectural styles.
Architecture Of West Bengal
Architecture of West Bengal comprises Hindu temples, Muslim, Buddhist and Colonial monuments and the unique terracotta style.
Architecture of Lucknow
Architecture of Lucknow is mostly Islamic in nature. It is representative of 18th and 19th century Indian architecture. The architecture is broadly divided into religious architecture, such as that of Imambaras and secular architecture, such as that of Baradaris and Kothis.
Cheena Kottaram
Also known as the China Palace, the Cheena Kottaram used to be a rest house for the then King of Travancore.
History of British Architecture in India
History of British architecture in India had begun with a solemn promise, keeping no stones unturned. This line of architecture invaded in India from the early colonial times in the states like Delhi, Kolkata, Mushidabad and Pune.
Monuments of Assam
Monuments of Assam are timeless remnants of historical masterpieces which reflect the architecture of ancient Assam. these monuments are remnants of the glorious history of the region under different rulers.
Bharhut Stupa
Bharhut Stupa is situated between Jabalpur and Allahabad in the erstwhile Nagod state of Madhya Pradesh. In 1873, the place was discovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham.