Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c35.s2.8

v4.c35.s2.8

Two photographs are reproduced in illustration of the descriptions given above. Fig. 1, Pl. CLVII, is the photograph of the Nāga and Nāgiṇī to be found in the Hoysaḷēśvara temple at Haḷebīḍu. The lower parts of these are in the form of snakes and are entwined with each other. The head of the Nāga has over it a hood of cobra with seven heads, whereas that of the Nāgiṇī one of three heads. The Nāga bears in his right hand a sword and is embracing with his left arm his consort. The Nāgiṇī bears a lotus flower in her left hand and embraces with her right arm her consort. The human head of the Nāga is adorned with a karaṇḍa-makuṭa and that of the Nāgiṇī with a knot of hair.