A VIRABHADRA SHRINE Western Deccan, India, circa 18th century cast brass in five sections, the central figure of Virabhadra holding sword, shield, bow and trident, flanked by the goat headed Daksha and his daughter Sati, the elaborate aureole behind with makaratorana surmounted by a kirtimukha 31.5cm high Provenance Formerly in the collection of the late Peter Cochrane, inv.JPC 67/38 Daksha offended Siva by not inviting him to attend a sacrifice following an earlier occasion when Siva had slighted him. Sati who was Daksha's daughter as well as being Siva s wife was present and felt so insulted that she threw herself on the pyre. Then Siva appeared as Virabhadra and cut off Daksha s head to avenge his wife. Other gods pleaded for Daksha's life but although Siva decided to spare him, his severed head could not be found so the head of a goat was substituted instead. Daksha is depicted with hands in namaskara mudra humbly paying respects.