Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c11.22

v1.c11.22

The *Vishṇudharmōttara* also gives the same description with a few additional details. In describing Ādiśēsha, it states that that serpent should be sculptured as possessing four arms, a hood ornamented with jewels and eyes expressive of wonder; the face of Ādiśēsha should be slightly lifted up as if indicating a desire to see the Lord. Two of Ādiśēsha’s hands are to be in the *añjali* pose, while the other two should carry the *hala* and the *musala*. He should assume the attitude of the *āliḍhāsana*. The same authority adds further that the image of Nṛivarāha may be also sculptured seated like Kapila in the dhyāna attitude; or the hands may be so placed as if offering piṇḍas; or, the whole figure may be sculptured exactly like a boar shown to live in the midst of asuras. When the image is represented like a full boar, it should be, as when associated with Śiva as the Liṅgōdbhavamūrti, shown to be digging the earth. According to the Viṣṇudharmōttara, again, the philosophic import of this avatāra is the defeat of ignorance embodied in the shape of Hiraṇyākṣa by Eternal Wisdom and Almighty Power incarnated as Varāha-Viṣṇu.