Watch: Saraswati without a veena: Early South Indian temple art offers a different vision of the Goddess
Recent research on early South Indian temple sculptures reveals depictions of the goddess Saraswati that omit her traditional veena, suggesting alternative iconographic interpretations. The study examines how these variations reflect regional artistic conventions and evolving religious symbolism, offering a broader understanding of the deity’s representation in ancient Indian art. These findings challenge assumptions about iconography and highlight the diversity of devotional expression across temple sites.