Agni Introduction

Agni is a prominent Hindu god from Vedic era. Agni simply means fire. Agni is one of the Dikapalas and is the guardian deity of the Southeast direction.

Sculpture Information

Agni sculpture is located at Vishnu temple of Siddheshwara at Newsa, Maharashtra (India). It dates back to year 1767. This Hemadpanti temple complex belongs to the period of the Peshwas.

God Agni is in standing form with four arms. He is holding a pot with Agni (fire) in his upper right hand and staff with sarpa (snake) in his left hand.

His lower hands hold japmala (rosery) and kamandalu.

Agni’s hairs are fitted in jata bandhana style. Yajnopavita (sacred thread) from his left shoulder is well carved.

Agni’s mount is a ram which is standing near his feet. Mounts are the primary iconography which helps in identifying the characters in the sculptures.