Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c7.117

v1.c7.117

It may be seen that the Trivikramāvatāra of Viṣṇu is sculptured, with the same details, and the same grouping of the members constituting the theme, whether the image happens to be found in Madras in the South, in Bombay in the West or in Bengal in the North-East. The only difference observable in the images belonging to the various parts of the country is in the outline of the features and the details of ornamentation. The Bṛihat Saṃhitā of Varāhamihira says :—*dēśānurūpabhūṣaṇa-vēśālaṅkāra-mūrtibhiḥ kāryā pratimā lakṣaṇa-yuktā sannihitā vṛiddhidā bhavati*. This means that the ornamentation and clothing and beautification of the images should be worked out in accordance with the usage in the country in which the images are made. Images made according to the rules laid down in the *Śastras*, when set up in