Title
Vishnu reclining beside seated Lakshmi
Year/Period
12th-13th centuries
Region
Madhya Pradesh, India
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: L 53.5 x H 30.5
Accession No.
1997-04827
Collection of
This sandstone sculpture represents Vishnu reclining on the bed of Sheshanaga (naga or serpent coils) with his consort Lakshmi massaging his feet in the ocean. When Yoganidra, a goddess emerges from Vishnu's eyes, his slumber comes to an end, and he begins the process of creation. From his navel, a stalk of lotus appears on which Vishnu’s first creation, Brahma appears, who in turn begins the creation of the natural world. Stylistically, this sculpture relates to the 12th century central Indian noticeable from the rendering of the human figures, crown, jewellery, hairdo and facial features.
