In the four-armed form, a right hand holds a "parashu" (axe) and another makes an "abhaya mudra" (gesture of reassurance), or one of the right arms is slightly bent and rests on the head of Shiva's bull mount, Nandi, while the other is held in the "abhaya mudra" gesture. Another configuration suggests that a right hand holds a "trishula" (trident) and another makes a "varada mudra" (gesture of blessing). Another scripture prescribes that a trishula and "akshamala" (rosary) are held in the two right hands. In the two-armed form, the right hand holds a kapala (skull cup) or gestures in a "varada mudra". He may also hold a skull. In the Badami relief, the four-armed Ardhanarishvara plays a veena (lute), using a left and a right arm, while other male arm holds a "parashu" and the female one a lotus.