Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c7.115

v1.c7.115

Another example of this tendency is seen in the case of what is known as Ekapādamūrti. This is an image of Śiva represented as the chief deity having on either side the figures of Viṣṇu and Brahmā projecting from him. This group is meant to symbolise the idea that the Supreme God of the Universe is Śiva and that from Him have evolved both Viṣṇu and Brahmā. In opposition evidently to this Śaiva view, and with an equally strong Paurāṇic authority on their side, the Vaiṣṇavas have similarly represented the Supreme God as Viṣṇu with Brahmā and Śiva proceeding from Him. (See Pl. F).