Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c26.12

v4.c26.12

In a *svayampradhāna* temple of Subrahmaṇya there are required to be set up eight *parivāra-dēvatas*, namely, Yakṣēndra, Rākṣasēndra, Piśācēndra, Bhūtarāṭ, Gandharva, Kinnara, Daityanāyaka and Dānavādhipa. The figures of these are to be placed on the eight cardinal points of the *prākāra*; Yakshēndra being on the east, Rākshasēndra on the south-east and so on. These *parivāra-dēvatās* are to be sculptured as having two or four arms and they should be of dark complexion and terrific look. If they have four arms, two of the hands are to be held in the *varada* and the *abhaya* poses, while the remaining two should carry the *khaḍga* and the *khēṭaka*. But if they have only two arms, the hands should keep the *khaḍga* and the *khēṭaka*.