Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v2.c14.s38.9

v2.c14.s38.9

Śiva, the third member of the Triad, is four-armed and is, moreover, distinguished by a third eye, which is placed in the middle of his fore-head. Like Brahmā, he wears the matted hair of the ascetic. The figure of Gaṅgā (the river personified) as well as the crescent are inserted in his head-dress, the latter on the left side. On the left side of his neck there is the mark of the deadly poison *kālakūṭa*. His dress consists of a tiger-skin reaching down to the knees, and a waist-cloth. His complexion is said to be red.¹ Two of his hands are in the attitude of granting a boon (*vara*) and of conferring security (*abhaya*). In the remaining two hands he holds an antelope (*hariṇa*) and a tabor or hand-drum.² Śiva is accompanied by the goddess Pārvatī who keeps standing or seated on his left side.