Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.s5.8

v2.c16.s5.8

The following is the description of the Aghōra who is required to be meditated upon. The figure of Aghōra should have eight arms; in the hands are to be seen the *śūla*, *ḍamaru*, *pāśa*, *kapāla*, *daṇḍa*, *dhanus*, *bāṇa* and *khaḍga*; the neck of Aghōra should be blue and his complexion black. He should be naked, or be clad in the skin of the elephant and the lion and be adorned with ornaments composed of snakes and scorpions, and be covered with the ashes of the dead bodies of human beings. His face should be terrific in appearance and should have side tusks. A snake should bind his hair and he should be surrounded by demons and goblins.