Iconography of Vasudeva

Iconography of Vasudeva has been described in a detailed manner in Agni Purana. It has been explained that precise measurements and accuracy are inevitable factors in the iconography of Vasudeva.

Iconography of Vasudeva, Agni PuranaAgni Purana has described in detail the essential points that are found in the image of Vasudeva in detail. A divine stone is to be used for making the image of lord Vasudeva. In order to make the image the sculptor divides the stone into some parts. With the help of the several parts of stone the various body parts of the god are made. At the same time accurate measurements should be followed while making the stone structure of the god.

While discussing the iconography of the image of Vasudeva it has been said that the head-dress of Vasudeva shall measure the length of a thumb and a middle finger, and the face, throat and the depression at the chest shall be of the same length. Similarly the other parts of the body should also be sculpted following accurate measurements. The curve lines of the body also play an important part in the iconographical styles of the god. The curved lines are to be placed adequately and properly. Rather it can be said that the curves need to be in exact positions. All the body parts of the deity are to be made keeping in mind exact measurements. This is because if the parts are constructed out of proportion that would disturb the harmony of the image.

Not only the measurements are to be given due attention but at the same time the spaces, the expansion and the contractions those are present in the body of the deity are to be carefully kept in mind. Even the spaces which are found between various body parts are to be calculated very precisely. For instance the space between the two eyes shall be four fingers.

Some of the iconographical instances that have been given in Agni Purana in order to explain the iconographical features in a detailed manner are that the head measure of Keshava or other manifestations of Lord Vishnu shall be thirty-two fingers and the head measure of those gods who are short necked shall increase by ten fingers.

The description also narrates that the image shall be decked with large number of ornaments and the emblems shall be placed in its hands in the following order in which they are usually met with. The weapon "Chakra" is to be placed in the upper right hand, the lotus in the one below the right, the Sankhya or the conch shell in the upper left hand and the cudgel in the one below that on the left. The iconography of Vasudeva also includes the images of Sri and Pusti, one carrying a lotus and the other carrying a harp. Another essential feature of the Vasudeva iconography are the images of two Vidyadhars holding celestial garlands in their hands are carved into the space occupied by the Halo of the head of the principal image. And the images of celestial elephants are to be carved in the region of the halo. The pedestal shall be of a whitish red colour, on which the image is to be worshipped.

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