Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c74.s8.4

v2.c74.s8.4

The types of the dress, including ornaments, are to be determined by the class of representative people to whom it should fittingly be apportioned. “Thus we find the kings wear the royal costume, the warriors the military dress, the ascetics the hermit's robe, the ladies have their own dress especially rich in ornaments and gems. Iconographically, Viṣṇu (whether as Vāsudeva or Nārāyaṇa), Indra, Kubera and others, who represent ideal royalty, put on gorgeous royal dress. Śiva, Brahmā, Agni and others, who represent ideal asceticism, put on the requisite robe of a Yogī. Likewise, Sūrya, Skanda and others who particularly typify martial activities, are dressed in military costume, in arms and armours, Durgā Lakṣmī or Kalī and other female deities are attired in sculpture; in various ornaments and jewels as fit for ladies of a high social standing (I. I.)". Similarly the colours of dress were such as would match the complexion of a particular deity. Thus Viṣṇu, who is of a bluish colour, had, in representation, a yellow garmnent (Pītāmbaradhārī). Similary, Sūrya, Brahmā, Laksmī, who are of fair complexion, are robed in red clothes.