Page:South-Indian Images of Gods and Goddesses.djvu/30



Brahmā, distinct from Brahman, the all-pervading Eternal Spirit, is the first member of the Hindu Triad. His principal function is creation. Independent shrines dedicated to him are rather rare. Still, figures of this god are commonly found decorating one of the niches in the north wall of the central shrine in a Siva temple. Images of Brahmā may sometimes also be seen on pillars, ceilings or other parts of a temple; but the one point that deserves to be noted is that though often pictured the god is not worshipped as the chief deity in a temple, like the two other members of the Triad, Vishnu and Siva.

According to Mānasāra, one of the standard works on sculpture, Brahmā is represented with four heads. He has, however, only one body and four hands. The image may be standing or seated and made of metal or of stone. The palm of the left lower hand exhibits the posture of conferring boons (varada) while the right lower indicates protection (abhaya). The corresponding upper hands hold the water-pot (kamandalu) and the rosary (akshamālā) or sometimes the sacrificial ladle (srik) and spoon (sruva). The following ornaments are seen in a finished picture of Brahmā: (1) ear-rings or pendants fashioned like the face of a crocodile; (2) the sacred thread yajnasūtra hanging right across the body from above the left shoulder; (3) the scarf (uttarlya) thrown round the neck so as to stretch down to the knees; (4) the udara-bandhana or literally, a girdle going round the belly; (5) necklace and torque; (6) armlets, arm-rings, wristlets, anklets, waist-zone, finger-rings set with gems, etc. His hair is made