Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c8.1

v1.c8.1

THE explanation of a number of technical terms which are usually employed in the description of images may well precede their systematic description. These terms relate first to the objects which images of Hindu Gods are shown to bear in their hands, such as weapons, musical instruments, animals, birds, etc.; secondly, to the various attitudes in which the hands of images are shown; thirdly, to the postures which the bodies of the images are made to assume; and lastly, to the costume, ornaments and head-gear in which they are represented. The most important among the weapons are:—