Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c18.16

v3.c18.16

The following is another description of Sūrya based upon the *Matsya-purāṇa*. According to this authority, the figure of Sūrya should have a fine moustache and should be dressed as men are in North India. Sūrya should have four arms, a lustrous body of red colour covered with a coat. He should be decked with all appropriate ornaments. In the right and left hands he should hold the sunbeams as the bridles and should wear round his waist a girdle named *Pāṇiyāṅga*.* He should be wearing a garland made up of all kinds of flowers, and should also wear anklets. On the left of Sūrya there should be the good-looking figure of Daṇḍa, and on the right the dark coloured figure of Piṅgala, both dressed in the North Indian fashion; and two of the hands of Sūrya should be placed upon the heads of these two figures. Piṅgala should be shown as carrying in his hands a palm leaf and a stile. When two of the hands of Sūrya are not placed upon the heads of Daṇḍa and Piṅgala, they should carry a shield and a śūla. The device on the banner of Sūrya is the lion; and the banner should be placed on the left of Sūrya. It is also stated that Rēvanta, Yama and two Manus, all of whom are understood to be the sons of Sūrya, should be standing two on each side of Sūrya. Or, as he is the lord of the planets, he might be surrounded by the planets.