Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c26.44

v4.c26.44

*Śaktidhara* : This aspect of Subrahmaṇya should have a single face and only two arms. The left hand should bear a *vajra* and the right one the *śakti*; the latter weapon is said to represent the *ichchhā*, *jñāna* and *kriyā śaktis*. The following description of Jñānaśakti-Subrahmaṇya is found in the *Śritatvanidhi* : this form of the deity should have only one face and four arms and his head adorned with a *jaṭāmakuṭa* ornamented with rubies, he should wear a garland of cactus flowers, and his body should be smeared with a paste of sandal and there must be on his chest a white *yajñopavīta*. In three out of the four hands there should be the *śakti*, *kukkuṭa* and *vajra* and the fourth hand should be held in the *abhaya* pose. It is therein stated that this aspect of Subrahmaṇya is the embodiment of *jñāna-śakti*.