Shaivite Saint
India (Tamil Nadu, Madurai region)
Not on view
Cults of saints are prominent in South Indian Hinduism. Saints who follow Shiva are called nayanars, and those of Vishnu, alvars. In India, people of great spiritual depth were often worshiped; and gradually cults—or whole religions—developed around them. The indentity of this saint is unclear. His hands are raised to his chest in anjalimudra (the gesture of adoration). He has no other distinguishing attributes except his matted hair, which marks him as a devotee of Shiva.
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