“Paalankarta”- he who
sustains is Sri Vishnu’s most commonly used and revered epithet in Hinduism. As
a part of the Trideva or trinity of male gods, Vishnu carries the arduous task
of overseeing the cosmic balance. Embodying stillness and celestial harmony,
Vishnu is often presented in Swamimalai bronze statues in the poised
Sampadasthanaka posture (both feet placed together to form a towering, upright
posture).
This heavenly bronze
depicts Sri Vishnu with his twin Shakti (feminine energy) and wives, Sridevi
and Bhudevi, who are
offered individual pedestals on each side of their Lord. A beautiful aureole,
with vegetation elements and the Kirtimukha, or face of glory on the top,
adorns the aura of Vishnu. The life-affirming beauty of Vishnu is such that the
vigorous rage of the Kirtimukha demon has been replaced with floral tassels
that frame Vishnu’s Kiritamukuta crown marvelously.
With an enchanting
smile delineated on his countenance, Vishnu carries his attributes- Shankha
(conch), Chakra (discus), gada (mace), and a blooming vine which is probably a
sprig of Kalpavriksha. This wish-fulfilling tree is compared to Vishnu in
sacred texts, as both are revered to attain boons of spiritual and material
nature.
The grace and elegance
of Sridevi and Bhudevi complement the grandeur of Vishnu, just as their powers
complement the action of the great preserver Lord. The composition is placed on
a lotus pedestal, hovering above the ground on stylized vine-shaped legs. On
the base of the platform is Garuda, the bird-mount of Vishnu and an emblem of
his eternal glory.
A Divine Trinity in Bronze
This magnificent bronze sculpture presents Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe in the Hindu trinity, alongside his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. Standing at an impressive 33.5 inches tall, this statue is a powerful representation of divine grace and abundance. Crafted with meticulous detail, the sculpture captures the essence of Vishnu's serene power and the compassionate presence of his two beloved goddesses. This bronze piece is more than just art; it is an invocation of prosperity, harmony, and unwavering faith.
Lord Vishnu: The Preserver
In Hindu cosmology, Vishnu's role is paramount. He is one of the central figures in the Hindu pantheon, embodying the principles of order, righteousness, and preservation. Often depicted with blue skin, symbolizing the infinite and the cosmic ocean, Vishnu is revered for his benevolent nature and his commitment to maintaining balance in the universe. The Puranas are replete with tales of Vishnu's avatars – his incarnations in different forms – each undertaken to restore dharma and vanquish evil. From the gentle Rama to the wise Krishna, these avatars demonstrate Vishnu's active involvement in the affairs of humanity. His presence in this bronze sculpture serves as a constant reminder of divine protection and the enduring power of goodness.
Sridevi and Bhudevi: Goddesses of Fortune and Earth
Flanking Lord Vishnu are his consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi. Sridevi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and beauty, stands to Vishnu's right. She is the embodiment of abundance and material well-being. Bhudevi, the goddess of the Earth, stands to Vishnu's left, representing the life-sustaining forces of nature and the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine. Together, Sridevi and Bhudevi symbolize the complementary forces that create harmony and balance in the universe. Their presence alongside Vishnu indicates that spiritual enlightenment and worldly prosperity can coexist harmoniously.
Crafted in Bronze: A Timeless Medium
This stunning sculpture is cast in bronze, a material revered for its durability, beauty, and ability to hold intricate details. Bronze, with its warm, lustrous patina, has been used for centuries to create sacred images and artistic masterpieces. The process of creating bronze sculptures is complex, involving skillful sculpting, casting, and finishing techniques. The resulting piece is not only visually striking but also imbued with a sense of timelessness and enduring value. The dimensions of this piece are 33.5 x 17.2 x 9.5 inches.