Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c74.s8.56

v2.c74.s8.56

**Prabhavali.**—the larger halo, is an ornamental decoration, usually elliptical in shape. It is sometimes endowed with a number of jvālās or projecting tongues of flame. Dr. Bannerjea remarks (D. H. I. p. 298)—“The prabhāvalī sometimes contains the emblems special to the god to whose image it serves as the background; while in the case of some principal types of Viṣṇu images (dhruvaharas) the ten avatāras are carved on it. In early and late mediaeval Hindu images of northern and eastern India, it commonly depicts a scheme of decorative carving on it, thus, in a fully complete stele, the order of arrangement of the motifs from the pedestal (pīṭhikā) upwards is first the leogryph (lion upon elephant gaja-śārdūla; sometimes the animals bear sword-bearers on their backs), then the ‘makara’ transom, above it the hybrid couple (Gandharvas) playing on lute and dancing, a little higher up the flying garland-bearers (mālādharī Vidyādharas) among the clouds and lastly the Kīrtimukha finial. This last motif consists of a grinning lion face with protruding goggle eyes and fangs, just placed in the top centre of the prabhāvalī, sometimes chains of jewel garland issuing out of either corners of its mouth. The ‘Kāla-makara’ motif in Indonesian art seems to be an adaptation of this Indian motif.”