Miniature Brahmanical Shrine 10th century India (Himachal Pradesh) This solid cast shrine is conceived as a three-dimensional replica of a Hindu temple in the early medieval Kashmiri-tradition. The square plan shrine on indented platform has a slender open pillar at each corner, and a split pyramidal roof with amalaka (traditional fruit shaped) capping feature. On its four elevations are shrine niches, each with a presiding deity. First, a crowned four-armed Vishnu holding a mace and conch, discus and lotus, with a seated bull and deer at his feet. To Vishnus left, the niche houses a four-armed Parvati, Shivas consort, who holds a holy water vessel in one hand whilst granting boons with the other. Other hands hold a pair of tongs and a lotus. She is flanked by a kneeling bull and deer and accompanied by Shivas linga and her son Ganesha. In this form she is best understood as Paravati-Gauri, goddess of the Himalayas, who sought Shivas affection through the performance of fire auster