Indian Art: A History of Indian Art from the Earliest Times up to the Third Century A.D. c13.s7.47

c13.s7.47

¹ Symbolism of these various images is stated in the Vishnu-Dharmoltara Purāṇa.
(i) Sadyojāta—Prithivi, the latest form.
(ii) Vāmadeva—Jala (has been symbolised as female element).
(iii) Aghora—Agni.
(iv) Tatpurusha—Vāyu (air, most effective symbol of life).
(v) Īśāna—Ākāśa that overlords over all. These have been represented in the five faces of Śiva. Liṅga is the symbol of creation, the universe, and the five faces represent the five elements.