Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c29.2

v4.c29.2

A *svayam-pradhāna* or independent temple of a bhakta may be constructed on the top of a hill, on the bank of a river, in *vanas* (gardens) and in *grāmas* (towns). The *aṅga* or dependent class of bhaktas are required by the *āgamas* to be set up near the place where flower-garlands for the use of the temple are made. The first class of images may have *parivāras* or attendants, while the latter should not possess any for the obvious reason, namely, that they are themselves depending upon others.