SOUTH INDIA, TAMIL NADU, NAYAKA PERIOD, LATE 18TH-EARLY 19TH CENTURY

The present figure represents the god Murugan in his form as Palani Andawar. Known by various names, such as Kartikeya, Skanda, and Kumara, Murugan is the son of Parvati and Shiva, brother of Ganesha, and Hindu god of war. He is in the guise of a humble hermit, Palani Andawar, as evidenced by his loin cloth, sacred thread, rudraksha bead necklaces and wooden sandals, padukai. His consort Valli is illustrated in the following lot.