Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c18.6

v3.c18.6

The description of Mitra or the Sun-god, as taken from the *Viśvakarma-śilpa*, is given by Nāgēndranāth Vāsu in the following words:— “His great chariot has one wheel and is drawn by seven horses, he has a lotus in each hand, wears an armour and has a shield over his breast, has beautiful straight hair, is surrounded by a halo of light, has good hair and apparel, is decorated with gold ornaments and jewels, has on his right side the figure of Nikshubhā and on the left that of Rājñī (queen), with all sorts of ornaments and whose hair and necklace are bright. His chariot mentioned above is called by the name of Makaradhvaja. He wears a crown. The figure is surrounded by a halo. Daṇḍa (Yama) is represented as one-faced and Skanda as having a bright conch-shell. These two figures with the form of man are placed in front. Vārcha on a lotus is placed on a horse. His body is represented as lustrous, and he is the one giver of light to all the worlds. A Sūrya-maṇḍala is to be made by placing nutmeg and vermillion. He (Mitra) has four hands or only two with jewels adorning them. In both of his hands there are lotuses. He is seated on a chariot drawn by horses of variegated colour. His two gate-keepers Daṇḍa (Yama) and Piṅgala (Agni) have swords in their hands.’”*