The Veenadhara Dakshinamurthy form of Shiva is indeed a captivating depiction where Shiva embodies the essence of music and mastery over musical instruments. This portrayal can be found in two primary variations: the sitting (aasana) posture and the standing (sthanaka) posture. This form is also known as Gana Dakshinamurthy.
In the standing posture, often attributed to the early
Pallava period, Shiva is depicted as extremely handsome, exuding an aura of
grace and expertise in music. The descriptions from historical sources like the
saint poet Appar and Sundarar paint a vivid picture of Shiva adorned with
matted hair, wearing vibhuthi (sacred ash), and holding a veena, showcasing his
proficiency in the art of music. This form symbolizes Shiva as the ultimate
authority and source of inspiration in the realm of music and arts.
In the sitting posture, known as the aasana posture, Shiva's
depiction as Sri Dakshinamurthy portrays a youthful and charming figure. With
broad shoulders and a tapering torso, Shiva sits with his left leg drawn up and
resting on the seat in the utkutika posture. This seated form symbolizes the
dissemination of knowledge and wisdom, with Shiva as the supreme teacher
(Guru), imparting divine knowledge to his disciples.
Both variations of the Vinadhara Dakshinamurthy form serve
as a visual representation of Shiva's multifaceted nature, emphasizing his role
as the embodiment of creativity, wisdom, and divine grace.