Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c75.s1.9

v2.c75.s1.9

Trimūrti, according to Viṣṇudharmottara, Pūrva-Karṇāgama, etc. (Pr. Laks. p. 187-188) is also one of the eight Vidyeśvaras (special forms of Śiva), Aṁśumadbhedāgama describes Trimūrti (Ekapāda), Ekanetra and Ekarudra alike. The main features of this Trimūrti sculpture according to this text are: From the right to left of the erect figure of Śiva should be seen emerging those of Brahmā and Viṣṇu, respectively. Both these should be sculptured with their respective characteristics. Rao says, ‘Another way in which Trimūrti may be represented is this: Brahmā and Viṣṇu may be sculptured as issuing from either side of a large liṅga. Thirdly, they may be represented each of one separately with all their characteristics and as standing side by side on three separate padma-pīṭhas. Fourthly, there may be three shrines in a temple each separated from the other and in these there may be set up in the middle shrine a linga and in the right and left, shrines for Brahmā and Viṣṇu, respectively. Fifthly, in a temple consisting of these contiguous shrines (triforium), they may be set up as in the previous case. The central figure may be also Nṛtta or other forms of Śiva.