Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c35.s2.39

v4.c35.s2.39

The images of the *rishis* should be sculptured as either seated or standing on a *padma-pīṭha*; they must be shown as peaceful old people with flowing beards reaching up to the chest, with *jaṭāmakuṭas* on their heads, *yajñōpavītas*, and with their foreheads marked with three streaks of *vibhūti* (*bhasma* or ashes). They may have in their hands a walking stick and an umbrella or they may keep the right hands in the *jñāna-mudrā* pose and rest the left arms on the knee of the left leg which must be bent and resting upon the seat. They should be clothed in garments made of barks of trees, which should be held in position by *kaṭi-sūtrās*; their upper wear should be white clothes.