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) v6.c40.s16.33

v6.c40.s16.33

Śiva, the third member of the Triad, is four-armed and is, more-over, distinguished by a third eye, which is placed in the middle of his forehead. 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 headdress, 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.