Page:Life in Java Volume 2.djvu/110

 94 LIFE IN JAVA.

Larajonkgranf:^, the Minerva of the ancient Bud- dhists, is cut out of a solid block of stone. She is represented in a standin^r position, with a great number of arms, which, like branches,' spring out in various directions from the body. On her head is a crown, and round her neck and waist are carved chains and ornaments of different kinds.

In each of her hands she holds some instrumnet, or implement of defence, transformation, and pro- tection. In the first, to the right, is a chakra, or wheel, supposed to have small mirrors between each of the spokes, from the periphery of Avliich issue flames of fire. AVith this the Javanese say she could, like Metra, Neptune's misti'css, transform herself and others into whatever shape she pleased. The second brandishes a sword, the third a paiiah, or arrow, renowned for swiftness and its cfiicacy in raising the dead to life. The first, on the left, holds an object called a clotoJc, or shell, with

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