Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c30.8

v4.c30.8

abhaya and varada poses respectively and the back right and left hands should carry a *khaḍga* and a *khēṭaka* respectively. This is the description given in the *Amśumadbhēdāgama*. The *Suprabhēdāgama* has a very different description altogether; it states that the figure of Śāsta should have only two arms and two eyes and a dark complexion. It should be adorned with all ornaments and a white *yajñōpavīta*. The arms and legs should be kept folded: in the right hand there should be a crooked stick (known in Tamil as the *śeṇḍu*) and in the left fruits and tender leaves of plants (*pallava*). The body of this deity should be like that of a *bhūta*, with a big belly. The hair on his head should be jet black in colour. Śāsta should be represented as playing with dogs, sheep and fowls. He has two wives named Madanā and Varṇani; the figures of these should be sculptured one on either side of that of Śāsta, with large breasts and adorned with all ornaments. To the left of Śāsta there should be the figure of Damanaka—who he is, is not mentioned—of ill-looking features.