Pingala, one of the attendants of Lord Surya, is the recorder who writes down mankind’s good and bad deeds.
In Vedic hymns, the sun god rescues the world from the fear of darkness and nightmares. His attendants, Danda and Pingala represent the physical and intellectual means of achieving one’s goals.
Danda is young and carries a spear whilst Pingala, bearded and wise-looking, holds a pen and paper. They might also be said to represent war and diplomacy.
Pingala seems to have been identified at one time with Agni, the god of fire and his appearance, as a Sassanian grandee, would seem to confirm this association.
Lord Surya’s image is normally depicted with Danda and Pingala on either side.
