Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c26.83

v4.c26.83

The description of the Dēvis of Subrahmanya is given as follows in the *Kumāra-tantra*: Mahāvalli should be of black complexion and should have a smiling face. She should stand with her right leg kept firmly on the ground and the left leg kept somewhat bent and placed on it. She should be holding in her left hand a *padma* (lotus) and her right hand should be hanging by her side. The complexion of Dēvasēna is red and she should also have a smiling face and standing with her left leg kept firmly on the ground and the right one somewhat bent. She should carry in her right hand a *nīlōtpala* flower, and the left one should be hanging. These descriptions are rigidly observed in the sculpture of the Nāgēśvarasvamin temple.