Sihiva with Sati’s body - Kerala Mural Archive

The image shows Shiva carrying his first wife Sati on his shoulders.

Primary Deity/Figure: Shiva
Secondary Figures: Sati
Iconographic Form: Shiva
Iconographic Attributes: Shiva is depicted as wearing a leopard skin, having three eyes, a serpent around his neck, has two arms, one holding a Trishula, as well as the body of Sati. It is unable to determine what the other hand is holding, or if it is just showing a gesture. Sati lies with her eyes closed upon the shoulder of Shiva. She is wearing a white saree with a golden border.
Rasa: Shanta

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: Sati is Shiva's first wife. She was the daughter of Daksha Prajapati. When Daksha conducted a yaga, he did not invite Shiva out of pure arrogance. Sati, realizing her father's mistake, went in Shiva's place, despite Shiva's objections. There, she was humiliated by Daksha. Unable to bear the humiliation, she jumped into the sacrificial fire and ended her life. Shiva, when he came to know of this, was overcome by grief and made Virabhadra and Kali, who went into the sacrifice hall and destroyed everything. They even cut out the head of Daksha and placed it before Shiva. Shiva was still grief-stricken and carried Sati's body with him everywhere.
Episode: Non narrative

Condition: Fair
Deterioration Type: Pigment loss
Restoration Status: Unrestored
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: Temple authorities
Date of Documentation: 08/08/2024
Artist: Neelakantan Ilayath
Identifier: ASG_P030
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.