An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Brahma-Shivalate 900s–1000s
In the Hindu pantheon Brahma is in charge of carrying out the work of creation. In this tour-de-force of South Indian temple sculpture, he is in a special regal aspect, with the only elements of his typical priestly appearance being the prayer beads and the matted dreadlocks piled on his head. <br><br>Four arms connote superhuman power, and four heads convey the idea that his creative activities spread in all four directions. His upper right hand enjoins freedom from fear, and the lower holds a lotus bud associated with birth and the process of creation. His lowered left hand is held in the gift-giving gesture, suggestive of the gift of creation he will bestow upon the world.
The back of the sculpture retains the original textured surface from a pointed chisel, suggesting it was in a niche or near a wall, protected from worshippers’ touches.
granite
Overall: 162.6 x 48 cm (64 x 18 7/8 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund, this work was accepted in honor of Stanislaw Czuma in recognition of his long service to the CMA
In the quiet corners of a majestic South Indian temple, the air vibrates with a serenity that invites deep reflection. Here, amidst intricately carved stonework that tells tales of devotion and imagination, resides the formidable figure of Brahma, the creator in the revered Hindu pantheon.
With a regal bearing, he stands tall, a beacon of creative energy. Unlike the typical priestly garb one might expect, Brahma's silhouette is defined by the elements that denote his divine heritage—prayer beads gracefully draped and matted dreadlocks, a crown of wisdom piled atop his head. His presence alone seems to echo the whispers of ages past, as if he harbors the very essence of the cosmos within him.
Four arms stretch outward, each limb an emblem of superhuman power. They reach in every direction, not merely as extensions of his divine will, but as symbols that his creative essence encompasses all the realms of existence. Above all, his four heads are not just physical attributes; they reflect the limitless creativity spilling forth, branching out like the branches of a mighty tree, nurturing the soil of life.
In his upper right hand, he extends a gesture that offers freedom from fear—a reassurance to all beings that the creation he facilitates is not only wondrous but safe. Meanwhile, cradled delicately in his other lower hand rests a lotus bud, a sacred symbol of birth and the unfolding journey of creation. This blossom, poised for potential, hints at the promise of life yet to come, rich with possibilities.
And then there’s his lowered left hand, held gracefully in a gesture of giving. It invites us to receive, to embrace the profound gift of creation bestowed upon the universe. This divine act is not just a gift but a sacred blessing—a reminder that life, in its myriad forms, is a splendid tapestry woven from his creativity.
As one stands before this awe-inspiring sculpture, it is as though Brahma invites each observer to tap into their own creative spirit and to feel the pulse of life flowing through every sacred crack and crevice of the temple.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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