Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c26.11

v4.c26.11

The *āgamas* state that the temple for Subrahmaṇya may be constructed on all sides of a town except the east and it might face any direction. These temples may be built in capital cities, in towns, villages, on the tops of mountains, on the banks of rivers, in gardens, forests or under large trees. They may stand separately as a *svayampradhāna* temple or be attached to some others, such as that of Śiva. Different kinds of central shrines are prescribed for the temple of Subrahmaṇya; these may contain from one to seven *talas* (storeys) and may be surrounded by *prākāras* or circuits and adorned with *maṇḍapas* or pavilions, and other adjuncts. As usual the size of the shrine of this god is also determined with reference to the height of the image to be set up in it. The temples of Subrahmaṇya are to be adorned with either peacocks or elephants placed in the corners of the *vimāna*, where generally Garuḍa or Nandi is seen in the temple of Viṣṇu or Śiva respectively.