Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c12.24

v1.c12.24

Thus we may see that, in relation to these various weapons and emblems found in the hands of the images of Hindu gods and goddesses there is a consensus of opinion showing that the early Hindus had probably a systematised symbolism as appertaining to their iconoclastic art in its application to religion. The key to this symbology is evidently lost and cannot be easily recovered. Yet, even here, research need not despair; and to the earnest investigator nothing is more valuable asset than his unabated optimism and untiring hopefulness. Till this lost key is recovered and established to be the true key according to strict scientific canons, nothing more than making mere guesses in the dark regarding the meaning and moral aim of Hindu icons is really possible. However, it is worth remembering that even such guesses have their value to those who earnestly try to find out the truth and proclaim it after it is discovered.