INDIA, Post-Mauryan (Malwa). Ujjain. Circa 2nd century BC. AE (Bronze, 12 mm, 2.42 g). Shiva as Lord Mahakal standing front, holding stick in his right hand and kalasha (sacred pot) in his left; to left, tree in railing; to right, chakra-wheel over fish tank; below, river. Rev. Large four-orbed Ujjain symbol. Pieper 281. Attractive highlights on a dark patina. Very fine.

Lord Mahakal ('beyond time/death' in Sanskrit) is a particularly interesting manifestation of Shiva, in which he once saved the residents of Ujjain by destroying their enemies. The Ujjainis thanked him by building a magnificent temple. Today, it is believed Lord Shiva still resides in the temple as Mahakal in a Lingam, which makes it one of the most sacred temples in India.