Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c74.s3.31

v2.c74.s3.31

**Tarjanī-hasta :**—It is a very suggestive hand-pose where the projected finger of the right hand points upwards (in the sūcī, it usually points downwards, the hand being held down), ‘as if the hand is warning or scolding another’ (Rao) ‘In Vajrayāna Sādhanās’, remarks Bannerjea, ‘Marīcī and several other goddesses are very often described as ‘tarjanīpāśa-hasta’—which means that the noose which is meant for chastisement, is placed in the same hand which is shown in threatening pose. Bharhut coping stones again illustrate this pose also in a Jataka relief. (cf. Gahapati Jataka, the house-holder Bodhisattva is represented in this attitude). Dr. Bannerjea has corrected Barua in his observation of Sudarśanā Yakṣiṇī in Bharhut, who also is depicted in a pose similar to tarjanī.