Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c11.s3.3

v1.c11.s3.3

Kapila is said to be the form assumed by the divine Pradyumna when he became free from the influence of all worldly desires. The image of Kapila should have a beard; it should be seated upon the *padmāsana*; near him there should be the vessel *kamaṇḍalu* such as the one used by *sannyāsins*. One of the hands should be placed in front on the crossed legs. The eyes should be closed indicating *dhyāna* or meditation. There should be the *jaṭā-maṇḍala* round the head; and the shoulders should be high showing that Kapila was a great adept in controlling the breath. The feet of the image of Kapila should be marked with lines resembling the outline of the lotus. The figure ought to be draped in deer-skin and must bear the *yajñōpavīta*. This Kapila is generally identified with Kapila, the founder of the Sāṅkhya philosophy. The *Vaikhānasāgama* gives a somewhat different description of Kapila. Being classed as an *āvaraṇadēvatā*, the image of Kapila is alloted a place in the south-east corner of the first *āvaraṇa*. Kapila is here said to be an embodiment of the Vēdas and is to be a seated image facing the east, and having eight arms. Of the four hands on the right side one is to be in the *abhaya* pose and the other three are to carry the *chakra*, the *khaḍga* and the *hala*; one of the left hands is to be resting on the hip in the *kaṭyavalambita* pose and the other three should carry the *śaṅkha*, the *pāśa*, and the *daṇḍa*. The colour of the garment of Kapila should be red. On the sides of Kapila should stand the images of Gāyatrī and Sāvitrī respectively.