Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.s7.115

v2.c16.s7.115

The fifth form of the dance of Śiva is somewhat different from the previous ones. In this the right leg is to be lifted straight up to the crown of the head and the left leg, somewhat bent, should be resting upon the Apasmāra-purusha; Śiva in this aspect has eight arms; in three out of the four right hands are to be seen the śūla, the pāśa, and the ḍamaru, while the last one should be kept in the abhaya pose; one of the left hands is to be held crosswise, from left to right in the gajahasta pose, and the three other hands are to carry the kapāla, the vessel of fire and a bell (ghaṇṭa).