Belur Chennakeshava Temple: Lakshminarayana – Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi on his lap

Sculptural relief depicting Vishnu with Lakshmi carved on the south-side exterior wall surrounding the garbagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of the Belur Chennakeshava Temple in Karnataka, India

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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