Vishnu

Description

Vishnu is one of the most important gods in the Hindu pantheon and, along with Brahma and Shiva, is considered a member of the holy trinity (Trimurti) of Hinduism. He is the most important god of Vaishnavism, the largest Hindu sect.Vishnu is the Preserver and guardian of people (Narayana), he protects the order of things (dharma) and, when necessary, he appears on earth in various incarnations or avatars to fight demons and fierce creatures and so maintain cosmic harmony. Vishnu four-armed holding a club and chakra in upper right and left hands respectively. Both the weapons are resting on double-petalled lotuses. Lower right hand is in varadamudra and the lower left is holding a sankha. The figure is attended on the pedestal by attendants holding a chakra and conch. The top portion has kirtimukha in the centre flanked by flying vindhyadasas. The central part of the pedestal has a multi-armed seated figure in a medallion. Four other figures in anjalimudra are carved on the pedestal.