Vishnu

Vishnu the Preserver

This practically flawless Lord Vishnu Chola Lost Wax Bronze is 3 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 70kg.  The hours and hours of diligent preparation and various stages of filing and chiseling have given this piece and energy that shines through the polished bronze face of God. While Vishnu has many forms, this four-armed form is most common in the historic record of Antique Chola Lost Wax Bronze Icons, as seen in museums and Temples, throughout India. A Shankha or conch shell is held in the upper left hand, used as a war horn to signal troops and a Chakra or discus in the upper right hand are emblems of Vishnu.  The Chakra named Sudarshana is a powerful weapon that is Time personified and symbolizes dharma.  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.  His right hand is raised in Abhaya Mudra (assurance or granting fearlessness) and left extends and rests near his waist in Katyavalambita Mudra.  Vishnu wears jewels around his neck and a beautiful ornate 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. His perfect waist is adorned with a powerful Demon like center and 4 ornate belts blend into the classic leg pattern seen on this form historically.  The sculpture stands on a lotus pedestal that sits upon a rectangular base.  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.