This fascinating sculpture of the four-armed Shiva emerging from a pillar of fire was made under the patronage of the Cholas in South India. It dates back to 12th CE. It is currently on display in the Late Medieval Gallery at the National Museum, New Delhi.

Lingodbhava acquired standardized iconography under the Chola Dynasty with respect to the attributes and placement within the temple structure where it would always appear in the Garbhagriha which is the inner-most sanctum of the temple.

This sculpture depicts Shiva emerging from a pillar of fire. There is a flower band on top of the pillar. Shiva is depicted to be heavily decked with jewellery including a crown (mukut).

Other typical features of the various versions of the Lingodbhava belonging to the Chola period include a flower band on the top of the Lingodbhava, Vishnu being uniformly depicted in the form of a boar, who appears to be plunging down animatedly into the globe; and Brahma, in the form of a swan who is racing upwards in order to reach the top of the pillar of fire.

This particular stone sculpture of Shiva coming out of a linga has a tale associated with it. The story behind this image is narrated in the Puranas where two gods, Brahma and Vishnu were the sole witnesses of the endless pillar of fire arising from the ocean. According to the story, Shiva is believed to have appeared in the form of a blazing pillar of fire to teach Brahma and Vishnu a lesson for challenging Shiva’s greatness. Shiva fashions himself into an endless pillar of fire (linga) and asks Brahma and Vishnu to trace the head and the foot of the pillar to prove their superiority. Failing the criteria would imply Shiva’s greatness and superiority. Hence, Vishnu turns himself into the form of a wild boar (Varaha) to dig deep into the earth and trace Shiva’s foot. On the other hand, Brahma takes the form of a swan (Hansa) and flies up to reach the zenith of the pillar. Both Brahma and Vishnu cannot fathom the pillar of fire and return. Vishnu admits his failure but Brahma tries to deceitfully claim his victory. Brahma claims that a flower fluttered from the top of the Linga - which is incorrect. While the two recount their experiences, the flaming pillar splits open and Shiva steps out of it. Shiva then enlightens them that the endless fire was a sign of his presence. He curses Brahma for his deceit to the effect that he will not have any exclusive shrines dedicated to him.