Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c7.60

v1.c7.60

It has been pointed out that the worship of the different aspects of the diety, as the *yōga*, *bhōga*, *vīra* and *ābhichārika*, is intended to enable the worshipper to achieve certain desired ends. When the diety is in the *śayana* or the reclining attitude, the worship thereof is said to produce different results to the worshipper according as the head of the image is in the north or south or east or west. If the head is in the east, the worship grants peace (*śāntidam*); if in the west, it produces plenty (*puṣṭhidam*); if in the south, victory (*jayadam*); and if in the north, *ābhichārika* results. The daily worship offered to Viṣṇu in public temples is regarded as leading to the increase of the population in the place. The worship of Indra gives plenty to the people. The worship of Subrahmaṇya and Chāmuṇḍā keeps children in sound health while that of Sūrya removes all ailments, physical and mental. Worship offered to Kāma bestows on the worshipper a beautiful body. Gaṇēśa always vouchsafes his