A GREY STONE SCULPTURE OF A SEATED SHIVA, late Chola period, 13th / 14th century, in the form of a four-armed Dakshinamurthy, seated under a banyan tree on a deer-throne in the lalitasana pose, with his right foot on the mythical demon Apasmara, while his left foot lies folded on his lap, his lower right hand is shown in vyakhyana mudra, his lower left hand holds a bundle of kusha grass or the scriptures, his right hand is in the gnana mudra, a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. He is portrayed as being in the yogic state of abstract meditation, as a powerful form, and brimming with ever-flowing bliss and supreme joy.