Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c9.37

v1.c9.37

*Śakti-Gaṇeśa* represents a class of images consisting of *Lakṣmī-Gaṇapati*, *Uchchhiṣṭa-Gaṇapati*, *Mahā-Gaṇapati*, *Ūrddhva-Gaṇapati*, and *Piṅgala-Gaṇapati*. Of these the LAKṢMĪ-GANA-PATI, should have eight hands, and carry in them a parrot, a pomegranate, a lotus, a water-vessel of gold set with rubies, the *aṅkuśa*, the *pāśa*, the *kalpakalatā*, and the bud of the plant called *bāṇa*. Water should be shown to be flowing from the proboscis. The colour of this image has to be white. Such is the description given by Aghōra-śivāchāryā in his *Kriyākramadyōti*. But the *Mantramahōdadhi* states that Lakṣmī-Gaṇapati should have three eyes and should hold in two of his hands the *danta* and the *chakra*, while another hand should be in the *abhaya* pose. Nothing is said about the fourth hand. Evidently the fourth arm is intended to hold Lakṣmī in its embrace. The colour of Lakṣmī-Gaṇapati, according to this authority, should be golden colour. It is stated also that the goddess Lakṣmī should be sculptured so as to be embracing Gaṇēśa with one of her arms; she should carry a lotus in another hand.