Elements of Hindu Iconography v2.c16.s7.4

v2.c16.s7.4

the *nābhisūtra*. The left leg should be lifted up, somewhat turned towards the right leg and kept across it. On the head of Śiva there should be the *jaṭāmakuṭa* adorned with flower garlands, *dhurdhura* and *arka* flowers, a snake, jewelled ornaments, a grinning human skull and the crescent moon tied on the left side. From this *jaṭāmakuṭa* should issue on either side five, six, seven or eleven *jaṭās* and stand either horizontally or arranged in a circle. The body of Śiva should be adorned with a *yajñōpavita*, a *urassūtra* (a chest band), rings on all fingers except the middle ones, on all toes except the middle one and anklets on the ankles. The face should be smiling. The chest should be smeared with saffron paste and the rest of the body with ashes. The garment must be made of tiger's skin.