Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c19.50

v3.c19.50

The goddess Durgā, as Mahishāsura-marddanī, should have ten hands, according to the *Śilparatna*, which describes her further as having three eyes; she should wear on her head a *jaṭā-makuṭa* and in it there should be the *chandra-kalā* or the digit of the moon. The colour of her body should be like that of the *atasī* flower, and the eyes should resemble the *nilōtpala* or the blue lily; she should have high breasts and a thin waist and there should be three bends in her body (of the *tribhaṅga* variety). In her right hands she should carry the *triśūla*, *khaḍga*, *śaktyāyudha*, *chakra*, and a stringed bow; and in the left hands the *pāśa*, *aṅkuśa*, *khēṭaka*, *paraśu*, and a bell. At her feet should lie a buffalo with its head cut off and with blood gushing from its neck. From within this neck should be visible the half emerged real *asura* bound down by the *nāga-pāśa* of the Dēvī. The asura should be made to carry a sword and a shield, although the Dēvī has already plunged her triśūla into his neck and he is bleeding profusely. He should have a terrific look with knitted eye-brows. The right leg of the Dēvī should be placed on the back of her lion and her left leg should touch the buffalo-body of Mahishāsura. (See Pls. CII and CIII.)