Brass Idol Of Vishnu In His Matsya Avatar Or Incarnation As Fish

Matsya Avataram is one of the many incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Universe. Stories of Matsya avataram are found in many Puranas, chief being the Matsya Purana, Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana. Read about Matsya Avataram in detail <a href="https://www.cottage9.com/deity/matsya-the-first-avatar-of-lord-vishnu/">here</a>. <br> <br>This idol is based on one of the very unique and old designs of Matsyavataram. While Shilpashastra texts and puranas like Agni mention that Matsyavataram should be only depicted as Fish, some authoritative texts also prescribe that Matsyavataram can be depicted with the upper half up-till the waist as Vishnu and the lower half as that of a fish. Icons, idols and carvings based on such a design are seen in many temples, both old and new . This brass idol of Matsyavataram follows this type of design beautifully, in perfect South Indian iconography. <br> <br>Lord Vishnu is seen wearing a tall, rich crown that is beautifully carved. His ears are adorned with <em>makara kundal</em> (crocodile-shaped earrings). An <em>urdhvapundra</em> (the V shaped Vaishnava mark) can also be seen on his forehead. He wears exquisite jewellery such as necklace, armlets etc, which is shown intricately in the carvings on the idol. A <em>yajnopavita</em> (sacred Hindu thread) runs gracefully across his torso. <br> <br>Vishnu is shown two-armed in this idol with a mace in his right hand and a conch in his left. The conch represents the four Vedas that he rescued from the demon Hayagreeva who stole the Vedas from Brahma nearing the time of <em>pralaya</em> (cosmic dissolution). The idol is placed on a double pedestal. The lower part of the pedestal is in square shape and the upper part is in the shape of a lotus. <br> <br>You may buy this idol online or if it is already sold by the time you got here, you may back order to get it recreated. You may specify custom size too while ordering.