Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c8.198

v1.c8.198

The *prabhāvaḷi* represents something similar to the *prabhā-maṇḍala* ; the former is, however, a ring of light that surrounds the whole person of a god, while the latter is a circular halo that is shown close to the head. The *prabhāvaḷi* is an ornamental circular or oval ring, with a number of *jvālās* or protruding tongues of flame. Very often the special emblems of the god to whom the *prabhāvaḷi* belongs are sculptured on each side of it; for example, *śaṅkha* and *chakra* are found in association with the *prabhāvaḷi* of Viṣṇu, *paraśu* and *pāśa* with that of Śiva or Gaṇeśa. In some instances, the *prabhāvaḷi* of Viṣṇu contains his ten *avatāras* carved on it in the usual order from right to left.