Sadashiva

Representation

The concept and form of Sadashiva initially emerged from south India, although many ancient sculptures of Sadashiva were obtained from various parts of India and Southeast Asia. It is believed that the cult of Sadashiva was widespread in the region of Bengal during the period of the Sena dynasty who traced their origin in South India. Sadashiva is usually represented in the form of a mukhalinga with the number of faces varying from one to five. The first ever sculpture of Sadashiva as a lingam with five faces was found in Bhita, near Prayagraj, and dates to the 2nd century CE. His five faces, Ishana, Tatpurusha, Vamadeva, Aghora, and Sadyojata are known as the panchabrahmas (five creators), the emanations towards the four directions and upwards from the nishkala (formless) Parashiva. Kamika Agama, the first Agama of 28 Shaiva Agamas depicts Sadashiva as having five faces and ten arms. His five right hands hold the trishula (trident), axe, katvanga, vajra, and display the abhayamudra, while his five left hands hold a snake, matulunga fruit, nilotpala, damaru, rudraksha rosary, and display the varadamudra. The consort of Sadashiva is the goddess Mahagayatri, a form of Parvati often known as Manonmani in Agamic texts. She is sometimes depicted having two arms and seated on the lap of Sadashiva.