Figure, of Vishnu

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This bronze figure of the Hindu god Vishnu comes from Tanjore, south India and dates to the 14th or 15th centuries.

Vishnu is shown standing in Bhogasthanakamurti with four arms. He holds his typical attributes - a conch shell (shanka) and discus (chakra) - in his upper arms. The lower right hand is raised in the gesture of protection and reassurance - Abhaya Mudra. His lower left hand would have rested on his other attribute, the club (gada). The wheel symbolises the universal mind and the powers of creation and destruction that characterise the revolving universe.

The conch symbolises the origin of existence through its spiral form, the primeval waters and, when blown, primeval sound. The club symbolises divine authority.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-000-581-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1963.65
• Date: 14th - 15th century
  14th or15th century
  
• Material: Bronze
  Figure / god / Vishnu
  
• Dimensions: 14.50" H
  
• What: Figure / god / Vishnu
  
• Subject: Metal figures
  
• Who: Vishnu
  
• Where: India, Tanjore
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze figure of Vishnu standing in Bhogasthanakamurti with four arms and holding a conch shell and wheel: South Indian, Tanjore, Vyinayagar period, 14th to 15th century
  
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