Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c32.20

v4.c32.20

In a temple exclusively dedicated to Brahmā, there should be set up in the central shrine that aspect of his, named Viśvakarma. In this form Brahmā has, as usual, four heads and four arms; in his hands there should be the *akshamālā*, a book, a bundle of *kuśa* grass (?) and a *kamaṇḍalu*; and he should be seated upon a swan (See Pl. CXLIV). The following *parivāra-dēvatas* are required to be set up in the eight quarters beginning from the east and going round clockwise, namely, Ādiśēsha, Gaṇēśa, the Mātṛikās, Indra, Jalaśāyi, Pārvatī and Rudra, the Navagrahas and Lakshmī respectively. Below is given a table mentioning the names of the Dvārapālakas of the temple of Brahmā and the articles held by them in their hands :—