Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c11.83.3

v1.c11.83.3

Near him and opposite to him Bali should be shown as standing golden in hue and adorned with ornaments and carrying in his hands a golden vessel to indicate that he is ready to pour the water ceremonially in proof of his gift. Behind the emperor Bali there should be his queen. Above the head of Trivikrama the figure of Jāmbavān should be shown as sounding the drum called *bhēri* in Sanskrit so as to exhibit the joy of the celestial beings at their coming delivery from the rule of the *asura* emperor Bali. So says the Vaikhānāsāgama. But the *Śilparatna* requires that the image of Trivikrama should be sculptured as standing on the left leg, the right being stretched out for taking the measuring strides. Moreover the *Viṣṇudharmōttara* mentions that the following objects should be held in the hands by the image of Trivikrama, namely, the *daṇḍa*, *pāśa*, *śaṅkha*, *chakra*, *gadā*, and *padma* and it is required that all these should be sculptured beautifully. In this work we are warned against the *āyudhas* being represented like human beings, that is, as Āyudha-purushas.