This exceptionally artistic sculpture is of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu pervades the entire universe as its soul. All the worlds depend on Vishnu for manifestation, existence and dissolution. While Vishnu has many forms, his four-armed form is most common, which this sculpture depicts. <br> <br>Shankha (conch) and Chakra (disc) are emblems of Vishnu, which he holds in his left and right hands respectively. The Chakra named Sudarshana is a powerful weapon that is Time personified. It revolves on Vishnu ’s index finger and launches at his will. If released on a target it chases it relentlessly and returns to Vishnu only after destroying it. <br> <br>The Shankha is the personification of the Vedas. It is conceived of being as white as froth on pure milk or fresh snow. When blown by Vishnu, demons are terrified of its sound. It is called Panchjanya. Flames around Shankha and Chakra are indicative of their aura and divinity. <br> <br>Vishnu is richly jeweled and wears a beautiful crown. The crocodile shaped earrings he wears are called Makara Kundala. Notice the small triangular mark near his right shoulder. This mark is called Srivatsa and was inflicted by Shiva ’s trident during a duel between Shiva and sage Narayana who was an incarnation of Vishnu. However Vishnu bears this mark with reverence as Lord Shiva who is extremely dear to Vishnu caused it. <br> <br>His right hand is raised in Abhaya Mudra (assurance or granting fearlessness) and left extends and rests near his waist in Katyavalambita Mudra. A richly carved, broad belt is seen tied around his waist and over the fine silk Vishnu wears. The sculpture stands on a solid pedestal. <br> <br>The two upward pointing bars on the pedestal are usually meant to slide over and fit onto a vertical Prabhavali (the ornate arch around South Indian statues) but even when a Prabhawali is not included in a statue; like this one, these bars are still created as a common practice. The base of the two bars is supported by Yalis (Yali is a Puranic being that is hybrid of multiple animals). This bronze sculpture of Vishnu is very graceful and visually pleasing.
