Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c25.s2.4

v4.c25.s2.4

The *Viṣṇudharmōttara* states that these aspects should have each five faces and ten arms : it omits describing one aspect, which is perhaps the Īśāna considered to be above all the other four. The colours of Tatpuruṣa, Aghōra, Vāmadēva and Sadyōjāta, according to this authority should be white, yellow, black and red respectively and they may also be considered to belong to the four *varṇas* (castes) namely, the Brāhmaṇa, the Kṣatriya, the Vaiśya and the Śūdra. They should keep in their hands the khaḍga, khēṭaka, dhanus, bāṇa, kamaṇḍalu, akṣamālā, varada, abhaya, śūla and padma.