Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.s2.t2.34

v2.c16.s2.t2.34

Closely allied to the Chandraśēkharamūrti are the Pāśupatamūrti and a slightly different aspect of it, the Raudrapāśupatamūrti. The Pāśupatamūrti should also be standing erect (*samabhaṅga*) as in the case of the Chandraśēkharamūrti, should have three eyes, four arms and hair standing on the head upright on all sides, and a large well-proportioned body. One of the right hands should be held in the *abhaya* pose, while the other, should carry a *śūla*. One of the left hands should be kept in the *varada* pose and the remaining hand should carry an *aksha-mālā*. The figure must be decorated with all ornaments; and it must have a good look with a gentle smile playing upon its lips. The *Aṁśumadbhēdāgama* states that the image of Pāśupata-mūrti may be either standing or sitting, whereas the *Śilparatna*, wants it to be a standing figure and substitutes the *kapāla* in the place of *akshamālā* in the above description. According to the *Aṁśumadbhēdāgama*, the Pāśupatamūrti is to be used for the daily services (*nityōtsavas* in temples).