Sculptural relief depicting Vishnu with Lakshmi
Lakshminarayana – Vishnu with Lakshmi on his lap
This sculptural relief depicts Lakshminarayana, a form of Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi on his lap, riding his vahana (vehicle), Garuda. It is carved on a pillar near the south side entrance of the Belur Chennakeshava Temple in Karnataka, India.
Note that Lakshminarayana is a combination of two names, Lakshmi and Narayana. Narayana is another name of Vishnu, and it means one who dwells on the water. In Sanskrit, Nara means water and Ayana means dwelling. According to Hindu mythology, Vishnu lives on the cosmic ocean.
As you can see from the image, Vishnu (as Narayana) is sitting leisurely with his consort Lakshmi on his lap. Both are wearing elegant dresses and beautiful jewelry on their bodies. A small male figure with the wings below them is Garuda. Carved on the base of this sculpture is the Kirthimukha monster, sometimes known as a Kaala (Time Monster). Kirthimukha is also at the top of the relief.
Related Pages
Hoysala Temples
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Bracket Figures
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Navaranga
– Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Garbhagriha Outer Wall
– Kappe Chennigaraya Shrine
– Somanathapura Keshava Temple
Badami Chalukya Temples
– Badami, Cave – 1, Cave – 2, Cave – 3, Cave – 4
– Durga Temple at Aihole
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