Devrani Jethani Temple Complex – Rudra Shiva Idol

Devrani Jethani Temple Complex – Rudra Shiva Idol

Rudra Shiva Idol was discovered during an excavation at Devrani Temple during the year 1987 – 1988. The idol was found buried near the entrance of the Devrani Temple in the south-east direction. The idol is now protected by Archeological survey of India and is kept locked in a small structure. The idols is about 2.7 metres high and weighs about 5 tons. It is two armed and in standing posture.

This idol represents a male in sampada posture. He is depicted in urdhvamedhra (erect penis) mudra. There are total of seven human faces on this image excluding the main head. Out of seven faces, three are depicted with moustaches and four are clean shaven. The face on the abdomen is the largest, even than the main face of the idol. A pair of smaller ones serves as the chest.

Each thigh is sculpted with a pair of smiling heads on its front and exterior sides. The sculptor has used various creatures to form part of its anatomy. The Jatamukuta (turban) of its head is made of a coils of two snakes. Two serpent hoods are found above each shoulder. The waist band is also designed like a snake and the finger tips on both the arms end with snake heads.

A snake is also shown entwining the left leg. The serpent is probably the favourite theme of the artist. A lizard in descent forms the nose of the idol while its hind legs form the brows. Frogs form the eyes while the eyelashes are either in the pattern of an open mouth of a frog. The moustaches are formed by two fishes while a crab forms the lower lip and chin.

Two peacocks with their fanning tails form the ears while crocodiles form the shoulders out of which his arms emerge. The arms of the idol looks like trunk of an elephant. A tortoise neck makes his erect penis while two bells form his testicles. Two lion faces are depicted as his knee-caps. Vidyadhara figures can be seen on the thighs and Gandharva figures can be seen on the sides of the thighs.

The feet are supposed to be of an elephant. One hand is broken however it appears that it was resting over a club as a part of this handle is still left there. Another hand rests on his hip. It defies all known art-forms and beliefs and does not conform to any style of sculpting prevalent during the times. It is believed to be from 6th century AD. This is a unique piece of sculpture that is not found anywhere else in archeological history.