Ananta Shayanam is one of Vishnu's names meaning 'the One who sleeps on infinity'. Ananta is Vishnu's serpent couch also known as Shesha. When Vishnu sleeps the universe merges and resides in him waiting for yet another manifestation. The sleep of Vishnu is known as 'Yoga Nidra' during which he remains in a conscious slumber. <br> <br>When Vishnu wakes up the cosmos sprouts out of Vishnu's navel in the form of a lotus and totality of all potential in all beings takes the form of Brahma who sits on this lotus. Brahma is identified as the creator of the universe. Vishnu is the cause of both universe and it's creator. <br> <br>This sculpture captures the above event. Vishnu is awake, lying on his serpent couch. He is four armed and sports Chakra (wheel) and Shankha (conch) in his two hands. His head rests on one of his hands and the other rests on his thigh. Brahma is shown seated on the lotus coming out of Vishnu's navel. This fantastic piece is a must have for any art lover.
