Mahakala, sculpture collection Rijksmuseum, volcanic stone andesite

The second guard at a Shiva temple is Mahakala, who stands on Shiva’s left side. His demonic characteristics – wild hair, bulging eyes and open mouth, a fat body and curled-up toes – make him the opposite of the graceful Nandishvara. It is likely that his left hand once rested on a club. His index finger points downwards, towards worshippers entering the temple.