Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c18.17

v3.c18.17

∗ The reading *pāṇiyāṅga* is evidently incorrect, as might be gathered from the following account of Sūrya obtaining the *avyaṅga* or *ahyaṅga* from Vāsuki found in the *Bhaviṣyat-purāṇa*. The origin of *avyaṅga* or *ahyaṅga*, the *avyonhana* of the Pārsis, is given as follows: during each *ṛitu* (season) there came to the Sūrya-maṇḍala one each from among the *ṛiṣis*, *dēvatās*, *nāgas*, *gandharvas*, *apsarasas*, *yakṣas* and *rākṣasas*. In one of these turns Vāsuki, the *nāga*, presented Sūrya with a cord called the *avyaṅga* or *ahyaṅga* which was produced from his body. This cord was composed of gold and had the colour half white and half red. From this time forwards the followers of the Sūrya-cult were required to wear a similar cord round their loins.