Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c7.66

v1.c7.66

Varāhamihira, the great Indian astronomer, states that the *pratiṣṭhā* of the various gods should be through the hands of persons of the caste peculiarly suited to the diety that is to be set up. Thus, a Vaiṣṇava image should be set up in temples by a Bhāgavata; that of Śiva, by a Brāhmaṇa who wears the *bhasma*; the Maga Brāhmaṇas should be employed for the setting up of the image of Sūrya: Brāhmaṇas should be employed for the *pratiṣṭhā* of Brahmā; and Jainas and Bauddhas should set up the images of Jina and Buddha respectively: those who worship the Mātṛi-maṇḍala should alone be employed for the setting up of the Saptamātṛikās.