Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.s2.t2.12

v2.c16.s2.t2.12

To the above description, the *Uttara-kāmikāgama* adds, that the right front hand may be held in the *siṁhakarṇa*, *kaṭakahasta* or the *kaṭyavalambitahasta* pose. The two back hands which are held in the *kartari-hasta* pose should not go higher than the *hikkā-sūtra*, that is, above the shoulders and the tops of the *ṭaṅka* and the *mṛga*, higher than the *karṇa-sūtra* or the ear. While the deer might face the figure of Śiva or be away from it, the head of the *ṭaṅka* should always be turned away from it. In the left ear of the image of Śiva-Chandraśēkhara there should be either the ear-ornament named the *ratna-kuṇḍala*, the *śaṅkha-patra* or the *padma-patra*; whereas in the right ear there may be either the ornament named the *makara-kuṇḍala* the *siṁha-kuṇḍala*, or the *patra-kuṇḍala*. The curls of hair should hang at the back as far down as the ear, while the *jaṭās* or the braids or plaits of hair should hang on the right and left of the image as far as the shoulders. The figure of Chandraśēkhara should be ornamented with several pearl necklaces (*muktāhāra*) and jewelled necklaces (*ratnahāras*), with well designed medallions (*padakas*) attached to them; and there should also be *yajñōpavīta* and the *chhannavīra* and *udarabandhana*. Besides, there should be *kēyūras* and other bracelets (*kaṭakas*) on the arms; and the fingers should be adorned with rings and the waist with a zone, and the ankles with anklets. The figure of Chandraśēkhara should be standing upon a *padma-pīṭha*.