Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c74.s7.2

v2.c74.s7.2

J. N. Bannerjea says (vide D. H. I. p. 269-70), "It should be noted that in the above list, some can be understood to mean the particular animal or object whose name is associated with them. Thus Kūrmasana in one context may mean that it is the tortoise which serves as the seat of a particular god or goddess" (cf. the river goddess, Yamunā, who is Kūrmasanā) while in another would indicate that type of sitting pose in which "the legs are crossed so as to make the heels come under the gluteals". Similarly other Āsnas too can be interpreted. These are only the principal varieties of the Āsana as found associated with the images of the deities. The Nirukta-tantra (Śabdakalpadruma) refers to innumerable Āsanas (as many as 84 lacs). Some other Āsanas not listed here though seen in the representation of the deities in sculpture or painting are:—