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Shiva's Footprints

Northern Cambodia

second half of the 7th–8th century

Not on view

The worship of footprints is an ancient Indian practice that was shared among Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. In fifth-century India, shrines dedicated to holy footprints, predominantly of Vishnu (vishnupada), were widespread. Shiva’s footprints (shivapada) in India are extremely rare, but texts confirm their existence, especially the Skandapurana, which describes them marking Shiva’s sacred geography. This text was favored by the Pasupata sect of Brahman ascetics, who played a central role in propagating the Shiva cult in early Cambodia and could have been instrumental in introducing the shivapada concept. The inscription reads shivapadadvayambhojam (“pair of lotus feet of Shiva”). Flowers are regularly employed in Shaiva devotional imagery.

cat. no. 83

Shiva's Footprints, Sandstone, Northern Cambodia — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Shiva's Footprints, Sandstone, Northern Cambodia

Shiva's Footprints, Sandstone, Northern Cambodia

Shiva's Footprints, Sandstone, Northern Cambodia

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Shiva's Footprints

Period: Pre-Angkor period

Date: second half of the 7th–8th century

Culture: Northern Cambodia

Medium: Sandstone

Dimensions: H. (incl. tenon) 6 5/8 in. (17 cm); W. 12 13/16 in. (32.5 cm); D. 12 13/16 in. (32.5 cm); Wt. 51 lbs (23.1 kg)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh (Ka.1756)

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