Seductive, because the wife of Shiva assumes this stance moments before He proceeds to take Her (‘bhoga’). It is like She beckons Her Lord with all the strength of Her beauty and the essence of Her being (‘shakti’). Made using the lost-wax process - also known as madhuchista vidhana in the Agamas - such a murti takes months to be sculpted to perfection. Nothing short of perfection defines that gorgeous form, the expressive stance, and that lifelike countenance.The characteristic colour of the panchaloha medium (mix of five iron-based alloys) adds to the solemnity of the composition. The gradient comprises deep ochre with a metallic glimmer, which in turn transitions into overtones of a moist, coppery green. Behind the crown on Bhogashakti Uma’s head, as long and slender as the whole of Her, behind the delicate nape of Her neck, is a miniature halo.