These two photos were shot on Dec 16, 2011 at Pattadakal temple complex. These sculptures are situated on the upper part of either Virupaksha Gudi or Mallikarjuna Gudi, two of the larger structures at the complex. The first one, a four-armed figure seems like Shiva at the first glance. However, upon seeing closer, there's a Shankha in the rear left hand. The norm in our idols is Shiva holds a Trishula and has Rudrakashamala, while Vishnu is seen holding Shankha & Chakra. Coming back to this sculpture, I feel it is Harihara, the combined form of Vishnu and Shiva. What do you think.
Coming to the second picture, first I felt it could be Vishnu. A closer look revealed the third eye on his forehead. So this is Shiva. It appears that Shiva has pinned down a child like figure. It's known that Shiva crushes Apasmara, the character filled with negativity. Is it possible this too is a scene of Shiva crushing Apasmara?
A revisit to Pattadakal and Aihole is pending for almost two years now. When I go there again, I'll spend half a day at Pattadakal and inspect sculptures closely. I'm sure to discover some more gems.
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