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Shrine of the sun god Surya
Shrine of the sun god Surya

Shrine of the sun god Surya

Place of OriginNepal
Date1800-1900
MaterialsCopper with gilding and precious stones
DimensionsH. 29 1/2 in x W. 24 in x D. 3 1/4 in, H. 75 cm x W. 61 cm x D. 8.3 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60S79
DepartmentHimalayan Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
On view
LocationGallery 12
More Information
The circular medallion within the square shrine symbolizes the sun, containing Surya, the sun god, riding on his chariot. His driver is Aruna, the legless brother of Garuda, the Hindu sun bird. Surya is accompanied by four of his consorts; the ones on the far left and right being Dawn and Twilight, the dual lights that combat the darkness before sunrise and after sunset. Poised in the archer’s pose, they are fighting the darkness with their arrows.
Subject
  • peacock
  • chariot
  • horse
  • arrow
  • shrine
  • deity