Introduction

Agni is the god of fire. Agni is one of the Dikpala and is the guardian deity of the Southeast direction. For the same reason, he is typically placed in the southeast corners of temples.  He is generally shown as a strong-looking man, sometimes bearded, with a large belly because he eats everything offered into his flames, with golden brown hair, eyes and a mustache to match the color of fire.

Sculpture Information

Dikapala (the guardians of directions) sculptures are the prominent feature of the Rajarani Temple of Bhubaneshwar.

Lord Agni is bearded with two hands. Probably the hands were holding danda (staff) and japmala (rosery) which are common attributes of the god.

The best feature of the sculpture is the way Agni (fire) flares are carved in the background of the entire image.  Even the crown of the god is an Agni Crown (fire crown). Agni is wearing yajnopavita (sacred thread) on his left shoulder.

Ram – the male sheep is shown below lord Agni. Ram is the mount of the god and can be taken as a prominent iconography to identify Agni besides the flares.

There are two Gandharvas in circular design on the top corners which are showering floors on the god.