Riding on the Garuda (eagle), Vishnu is blue bodied, having four arms. He holds attributes in each hand shankha (coach) represents the sky, chakra (disc), the air, gada (mace) the light and padma (lotus) the waters. His vehicle, the Garuda, is the mind pervading the bodies of all the creatures. There is nothing quicker and stronger than the mind. Its claws hold a serpent. Vishnu is linked with both the eternal antagonists, the eagle being the snake's opponent.
Vishnu is accompanied by Sri and Bhu, through his cosmic journey. If Vishnu is accompanied by Bhu, Lakshmi inevitably keeps him company and is then called Sri. When she appears alone with Vishnu, she is called Lakshmi. Unlike Lakshmi, Bhu never appears alone. She is the junior consort of Vishnu, the senior one being Lakshmi / Sri.
Vishnu's consorts appear in red, providing a contrast to his blue body and as a brightening effect to the yellow background. The bird itself is yellow and the outspread wings are brown. The pale background represents the cosmic radiation and the yellow of the bird, its solar association.
This description by Kiranjyot.
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist