Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c12.13

v1.c12.13

The *Śakti* has to be, as has already been stated a female figure: it should be of red colour and seated upon a *vṛika* or wolf. The *Daṇḍa* is to be a male of black colour, with red eyes and a fearful look. The *Khaḍga* should be a male figure of dark complexion and angry look. The *Pāśa* should be sculptured as a male snake with seven hoods. The *Dhvaja* should be a sturdy looking male of yellow complexion with the mouth wide open. The *Gadā* should be a female figure of yellow colour with large glutials; the *Viṣṇudharmōttara* says that she must have a slender waist, and be adorned with various ornaments; she should be made to carry a *chāmara* in her hands. The right hand of Viṣṇu should be made to touch the head of *Gadā*. The *Triśūla* has to be a good-looking black complexioned male, with handsome brows. The *Śaṅkha* should be represented as a white male figure with pretty eyes. The *Hēti*—a weapon like the hatchet—is a female, while the *Bhindi*—the sling for throwing stones, is a male. The *Bāṇa* has to be a male figure with a red body and with good looking eyes; the *Vaikhānasāgama* states that the *Bāṇa* is *napumsaka*—a eunuch—