Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c11.55

v1.c11.55

The images of Vishṇu as Narasimha are of two kinds, namely, the Girija-Narasimha and the Sthauna-Narasimha. The first kind consists generally of a single figure, which should be shown seated on a *padmāsana* in the *utkuṭika* posture, the forelegs being maintained in the required position by the *yōga-paṭṭa* belt going round them and the back of the body. The conception underlying the name Girija-Narasimha is that the lion comes out of a mountain cave. Kēvala-Narasimha is another name by which this single image of Vishnu as man-lion is called; and it may have either two or four arms. In the latter case, the upper right hand should hold the *chakra*, and the upper left hand the *śaṅkha*, and the two other hands being stretched forward and supported on the knees. This form of the image of Narasimha is often designated as the Yōga-Narasimha. (See Pl. XLII). The colour of this form of the image of the man-lion Vishnu should be crystal white. The *Śilparatna*, however, gives a somewhat different description, and says that the *chakra* and the *śaṅkha* should be shown, near the two out-stretched hands and that the other two hands should carry the *gadā* and the *padma*.