Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c8.197

v1.c8.197

Sanskrit iconographic treatises insist that the *śiraśchakra*, or the halo surrounding the head of every divine being, is a necessary part of the image thereof. It should have the form of a circle or a full-blown lotus (see Pl. IX, figs. 4 and 5), eleven *aṅgulas* in diameter, and should be away from the head by a distance equal to a third of its diameter. This halo-circle is attached to the back of the head of images by means of a rod whose thickness is equal to one-seventh of the diameter of the *śiraśchakra*. The *śiraśchakra* has theoretically to be something which is aloof and unconnected (see Pl. IV, figs. 25 and 26) ; but in material representations, it is impossible to have a *śiraśchakra* which is not attached to the head ; hence the need for this connecting piece. This piece is covered with and hidden in wreaths of flowers, which appear to adorn the hair-knot of the image at the back, so as to make the *śiraśchakra* appear to be projecting distinctly behind the head. The *śiraśchakra* of the sculptures is considered to correspond to the *prabhāmaṇḍala* or the halo of light which surrounds all divine beings. In other words, it is intended to serve as a material representation of the glory or circle of light shining around the head of gods.