Horse Utsav Murti

Maharashtra/ Karnataka

brass alloy

This finely modelled brass horse is most likely a procession image or Utsav Murti. Its primary function was to be used in festivals and processions outside the temple. The ‘half horse’ would have been kept against a backdrop adorned with floral garlands and vermillion.

Shiva was, and still is, the tutelary deity of Maharashtra, originally being a tribal protective deity. As Khandoba, he was widely worshipped throughout this region and contiguous areas of Karnataka, Rajasthan and Andra Pradesh where he is also called Mallanna and Khanderao. The traditional vahana (vehicle) of Shiva is Nandi, the bull, however in the form of Khandoba he is usually portrayed on horseback and occasionally on a camel or elephant.

Size (cms): 38(H) x 22.5(W) x 14(D)
Size (inches): 15(H) x 9(W) x 5.5(D)