Marriage of Shiva and Parvati

11th century
Rajaraja Museum, Thanjavur

Shiva and Parvati join hands, accompanied by Vishnu (right) and Lakshmi (left). Although Vishnu is not on the same platform as the other figures, the group belongs together (Huntington, pp.533-534).

The Cholas were great Shiva worshipers, so one might expect to find Vishnu in a context with Shiva, as here, rather than standing alone. The rearing antelope in Shiva's left upper hand is a typical attribute in the South.