Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c11.20

v1.c11.20

The *Śilparatna* gives a slightly different description. Nṛivarāhamūrti or the man-boar image of Vishṇu should have, according to this authority, in its hands the *gadā* and the *padma* and carry Bhūmidēvī on the tusk. One of its feet should rest upon the serpent Ādiśēsha and the other on a tortoise. Or, the goddess might be shown as seated upon the left elbow of the Varāha, with a *nilōtpala* flower in her hand. Her face should have eyes which are expressive of wonder. One of the two right hands of this Varāha image should be made to rest upon the hip. The *Śilparatna* further says that instead of the Varāha being half man and half boar, it may be worked out wholly as a boar with a thick snout, broad shoulder-blades, long tusks and a big body covered with up-turned bristles.