Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.s10.3

v2.c16.s10.3

The image of Gaṅgādharamūrti is described in the Amśumadbhēdāgama, the Kāmikāgama and the Kāraṇāgama. It is stated that the figure of Śiva should be standing with his right leg planted vertically on the earth and the left one slightly bent. The front right hand should be placed near the chin of his consort Umā, whom he should be embracing with his left front arm; the back right arm being lifted up as high as the *uṣṇīsha* or the crown on the head, should be holding a *jaṭā* or a lock of matted hair, on which should be the figure of the goddess Gaṅgā; the back left hand should carry a *mriga*.