Mahakal – Ancient City of Ujjain – Bhumimitra AE Seated Lakulisha Type Copper Coin

This rare copper coin belongs to the ancient city of Ujjain, Post Mauryan, issued during the time of Bhumimitra, Uninscribed, Copper AE Unit, featuring the distinctive “Seated Lakulisha” type, Weight: 1.28 grams, Diameter: 11 mm, Reference: Pieper 405, Extremely rare

Obverse: A finely executed depiction of Lakulisha—the 28th and final incarnation of Lord Shiva—seated on a lotus, holding a danda (staff) in one hand and a kamandalu (water pot) in the other, symbols associated with ascetic life and yogic discipline. A chakra (wheel) appears above a tree on the left, possibly symbolizing cosmic order and dharma. To the right, in vertical Brahmi script, is the legend “bhumimitasa”, identifying the issuer Bhumimitra.

Reverse: A large Ujjain symbol occupies the center, with smaller Ujjain symbols placed delicately within each orb—an artistic and symbolic embellishment. Nandipadas (bull’s hoof marks) are placed in the angles, reinforcing the Shaivite association of the coin.

Historical Significance:

The seated figure has been identified by scholars such as Wakankar, Kothari, and Bhatt as Lakulisha, revered as a pioneer of Pashupata Shaivism and a promoter of Yoga-centric Shaivism. As noted by Handa (ICS-NL 51, p.24), this depiction of Lakulisha likely predates textual iconographic norms, making it one of the earliest known images of Lakulisha or Yogeshvara Shiva in Indian coinage and art. It represents a unique convergence of religious symbolism, early Shaivite doctrine, and regional political authority.

A remarkable and historically rich type, this coin is a testament to early Shaivite iconography and religious movements in ancient India.