Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.s3.9

v2.c16.s3.9

In the case of the Sōmāskandamūrti, the same relative positions are maintained by the figures of Śiva and Umā, but between these, there is the additional figure of the child Skanda. The figure of Skanda may be standing, sitting on the seat or on the lap of Umādēvī, or dancing; it should have a single face with a pair of eyes and two arms; and be adorned with a karaṇḍa-makuṭa on the head, nakra-kuṇḍalas in the ears, and chhannavīra on the body. The child Skanda should have a waist zone and bracelets. The figure of Skanda if it is standing simply, may carry in its right hand a lotus flower and keep the left hand hanging; or the two hands may keep lotus flowers in them; or as the *Śilparatna* would have it, the left hand should be held in either the *varada*, or the *siṃha-karṇa* pose and the right hand carrying a book. There should be no clothing on the person of the child Skanda. If the figure of Skanda is represented as dancing, it should carry in its left hand a fruit and the right one should be kept in the *sūchi* pose; or the left hand might be kept stretched out and be without the fruit.