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The Adoration of Shiva by the gods. Pahari. In the style of Purkhu. Circa 1815. Leaf 37cm by 29cm; image 32cm by 14cm.

Script on coversheet, the literal transliteration being:

“Lord Shiva whose abode is in the Kailash mountain is the most satisfied of all gods; therefore adoration of Shiva will make the devotee completely satisfied”

The term used is “santusth” which literally means satisfied. However... figuratively or metaphorically speaking, “satisfied” means one who does not want anything and is complete in oneself, ie perfect. “Shiv” is...a sanskrit synonym of the word perfect or complete. So one who emulates/adores Shiva will in turn become satisfied or perfect.

[Thanks to Dr Rakesh Sinha]