Page:Elements of Hindu Iconography Vol. 2 Part 1.pdf/203



HE four varieties of the images of Siva known as the Sukhāsanamūrti, the Umāsahitamürti, the Sömāskandamürti and Umāmahēśvaraműrti are usually met with in all Siva temples which lay claim to some importance in Southern India. Of these, the Sukhasanamūrti is described as follows in the Silparatna, which is practically the same as the description given in all other authorities. The image of Sukhāsanamūrti is a seated figure with four arms, three eyes, a very handsome appearance suggestive of the rajõguna and of coral red complexion. The image should be seated erectly upon a bhadra-pitha with its left leg bent and resting upon the seat and the right one hanging below it. It must be clad in the skin of the tiger and also in silk garments; in its back right hand is to be the paraśu, and in its back left hand the mriga; the front right hand should be held in the abhaya pose, while the front

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