Description:
Visual description: The Indian red sandstone sculpture depicts Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe in Hinduism. Vishnu sits in a cross-leg position on a throne with his left leg horizontal and right leg diagonally touching the ground. The deity holds a circular discus in his left hand. In his right hand is a mace, with a three-layer spherical head mounted on a shaft. Vishnu’s two other hands are positioned naturally to his sides with palms open, facing forward. This hand gesture is known as the Varada Mudra which symbolizes welcome, giving, and compassion. The deity has his head slightly tilted to the left and looks straight ahead. He wears an elaborate conical crown and various types of jewelry and bands all over his torso. (Text and voice: Yanlin Zhou '26)

Tags:
architecture; deities; female; religion

Subjects:
Religion; Architecture; Females; Gods

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=AC+1965.8

Research on objects in the collections, including provenance, is ongoing and may be incomplete. If you have additional information or would like to learn more about a particular object, please email fc-museums-web@fivecolleges.edu.