Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c35.s2.7

v4.c35.s2.7

The colour of Vāsuki is pearl-white; that of Takshaka glistening red and he must have on his hood the mark of the *svastika*. The colour of Kārkoṭaka is black and on his hood there should be three white stripes; Padma is of the rosy hue of the lotus flower, with a white streak and adorned with coral ornaments. The colour of Mahāpadma is white with the mark of *triśūla* on his hood; whereas that of Śaṅkhapāla, is yellow with a white streak on his hood; the colour of Kuḷika is also red and his hood bears the mark of the crescent moon. All these seven great serpents should have two tongues and two arms and a hood with seven heads held over their human heads bearing on them gems. They must all be clad in one or three coats and carry in their hands an *akshamālā* and a *kamaṇḍalu*.