The iconographical representation of Vishnu in this incarnation is mainly shown in two ways; either as a dwarf Vaman or the Trivikram Vishnu.
1. Vaman
According to Vishnudharmottarpuran, the image of Vaman should have two arms. One hand should hold a Kamandalu and the other an umbrella. There should be a tuft of hair tied together. He should be wearing a deer-skin along with a yadnyopavita(sacred thread worn by brahmhans) and a kaupina (loin-cloth). He should carry a book with him. All these are the emblems of a vedic student or a brahmhachari.
Sometimes we can see the sculptures of Vaman as a deformed dwarf. The image is ill-shaped man with a hunch back, protruding joints and a big belly.
2. Trivikram
The image of Trivikram Vishnu is sculptured in three ways i.e. with the left foot raised up to the level of,
i) the right knee,
ii) the navel
iii) the forehead.
It is to represent him as striding over all the three worlds.
He should have either four or eight hands.
- If he has four hands, one right hand should hold shankh, and a left hand carries chkra. The other right hand should be held in abhayamudra and the other left hand should be stretched out parallel to the uplifted leg.
- If the image has eight hands, five of the hands should carry shankh, chakra, gada (mace), bow and hal (plough). Others carry the symbols of the four-handed image.
The right leg of Trivikrama is to be firmly placed on the earth and the left has to be in position of taking a stride.
- Indra should be shown holding an umbrella over his head.
- Varun, Vayu, Surya and Chandra are to be shown as flying whisks.
- Brahmha should be shown washing the uplifted foot of Trivikram.
Below his left leg, the dwarf Vaman has to be presented in the position to receive the grant of three steps land. Opposite to him, the asura king Bali should be shown with a water vessel indicating that he is ready to pour the sacred water as proof of his gift.
