Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c26.18

v4.c26.18

The image of Subrahmaṇya is seen sculptured in different ways. We have instances of standing and seated figures of this deity; some have six faces while others only one; some have two arms while others have from four to twelve arms; sometimes the image of Subrahmaṇya is seen with that of one Śakti (goddess) and often with two. He is further represented as a boy who has not undergone the upanayana (or the initiation) ceremony or as one who has undergone it. Then again he appears as a youth of resplendent beauty. The seated figure is either on a padmāsana or on a peacock. It is laid down as a rule that if the figure is a seated one, it should have only two arms; if a standing one, four; and lastly, if it is seated upon a peacock, it may have six, eight or twelve arms. The sitting posture is recommended for representing the yōga (dhruva) bēra, the standing posture SUBRAHMAYNA.