“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.
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