Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c30.9

v4.c30.9

The *Kāraṇāgama* agrees with the *Amśumadbhēdāgama* in taking Śāsta as the son of Mōhinī by Hara, but states, with *Suprabhēdāgama*, that Śāsta should have only two arms and two eyes, and a dark complexion. Śāsta should be seated on a *pīṭha*, with his left leg hanging down the seat and the right one folded and rested upon the seat vertically. On the knee of this latter leg should rest the elbow of the stretched left arm. In the right hand there should be a *vajradaṇḍa*, which is a crooked stick (note the *vajra* a characteristic weapon of the Bauddha Bōdhisatva). The figure of Śāsta should be of youthful and peaceful appearance. The hair of his head should be like blue-black ink and be spread out. His vehicle is the elephant as also is the crest on his banner. He should have by his side a blitheful damsel. At the end of the description, it is mentioned that the colour of Śāsta might be blue, white or dark, his vehicle the bull, that he might have four arms and that the crest on his banner a cock.