Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c28.6

v4.c28.6

The figure of Chaṇḍēśvara should be fashioned according to the *madhyama* or *adhama-daśa-tāla vidhi* as is given in *Pratimālakshaṇa* or instructions given for the making of images; different descriptions are found in the *āgamas* for making the image of Chaṇḍēśvara. In the first instance, we see it stated that it might be sculptured as seated upon a *padmāsana*; its look should be terrific, as if fire would burst out of its face; the colour of Chaṇḍēśvara should be jet black and there must be a *sarpayajñōpavīta* on its body. The head should be adorned with a *jaṭā-makuṭa*, in which there should be the crescent of the moon, as in the case of Śiva. Chaṇḍēśvara, according to this description, should have four faces, four arms and twelve eyes. In the right hands there should be the *akshamālā* and the *triśūla* and in the left hands the *ṭaṅka* and the *kamaṇḍalu*.