How does the iconography of Eternal Shiva from the Cave-Temple at Elephanta correspond to the beliefs and practices of Hinduism?
What will be an ideal response?
The ideal answer should include:
1. Eternal Shiva represents the Sadashiva aspect of the deity whom Hindus believe dances a cosmic dance within a ring of fire that controls the endless cycle of death, rebirth, destruction, and creation.
2. The relief sculpture depicts three heads, but five heads are implied; the heads summarize Shiva's fivefold nature as creator, protector, destroyer, obscurer, and releaser.
3. On his left shoulder, for example, his protector nature is depicted as female; on his right, his wrathful, destroyer nature wears a fierce expression; in front, Shiva is depicted in deep introspection with the matted, piled-up hair of a yogi.
4. By worshipping the gods, such as Shiva, with rituals, meditation, and intense love, Hindus believe that they will be reborn into ever-higher positions until they can escape samsara, the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
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The person in charge of the ushers is called…
What will be an ideal response?