12th Century Sandstone Figure of Surya, Hindu Sun God

A finely carved tall sandstone figure of Surya (The Sun God), Northern India, 12th century CE. Provenance: Private collection, South Australia. Surya is the sun as well as the solar deity in Hinduism. He is traditionally one of the major five deities in the Smarta tradition, all of whom are considered as equivalent deities in the Panchayatana puja and a means to realise Brahman. The iconography of Surya is often depicted riding a chariot harnessed by horses, often seven in number, which represent the seven colours of visible light, and the seven days of the week. During the medieval period, Surya was worshipped in tandem with Brahma during the day, Shiva at noon, and Vishnu in the evening. In some ancient texts and art, Surya is presented syncretically with Indra, Ganesha, and others. Surya as a deity is also found in the arts and literature of Buddhism and Jainism. Dimensions: 83 cm high, 45 cm wide