Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c74.s6.35

v2.c74.s6.35

But before we close this item a word on **Agni** and **Ṭaṅka**—the two weapons among the 25 weapons tabulated above remains to be said: 'Agni shown as a ball of fire is placed in one of the hands of Śiva-Naṭarāja; it may also be depicted as a torch serving the purpose of an incendiary weapon. The earliest representation of agni as the sacrificial fire (a pot with flames issuing out of it) is found in the scene of the miracle of sacrifice (performed by Buddha for the conversion of Kāśyapa), carved in the eastern gateway of Sanchi (in medieval Indian art, it is shown in the illustration of the marriage of Śiva-Pārvatī, the Kalyāṇasundaramūrti of Śiva). Ṭaṅka—a stone-mason's chisel, is really an implement, but could also be used as offensive weapons in early times.