Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c74.s5.25

v2.c74.s5.25

The symbols or mudrās in the broad sense of the term (which I have introduced) are accessories to the main figure—the conductors, as it were, between the image and the idea. Thus the observation of the elephant in the image of Indra brings back the whole idea of Royalty of which an elephant used to be a fundamental emblem. The bull, in India, is a sombol of Dharma and was thus used as the vehicle of Śiva, the great yogī. Symbolism in India is the key note of its culture and philosophy.