The green-bodied Garuda with red beak has been represented as couched on a hexagonal golden chowki which an ivory plaque inlaid with precious gems comprising floral patterns tops. The chowki is placed on a garden-terrace conceived with flower-beds on char-bagh pattern and a fountain in front, and on its back a column of taller flower-plants and a large tree with ‘mallika’ tree-type creepers suspending on it with its branches extending over the divine couple like a colourful canopy. Two straight rows of lotuses, comprising low railings, divide the terrace from the garden. In his four right hands the Great Lord is carrying an arrow, lotus, goad and conch, and in his left, a bow, mace, disc and a noose. Appropriately bejeweled Lord Vishnu is wearing his usual ‘pitambara’ – yellow lower wear, and the garland of white celestial Parijata flowers, besides his multi-crested crown.
Supported on his left thigh, Lord Vishnu has riding along him Lakshmi, his consort. Apart that his all hands carry one attribute or the other, those on the left afford Lakshmi from behind dependable support too. In striking contrast to blue, Lord Vishnu’s body-colour, and yellow, the colour of his wear, Lakshmi has been painted with golden complexion, her body-colour, and bright orange, her costume, besides her dazzling jewels which further magnify their glow. Delightfully, Garuda’s green, the sacred bird’s body colour, affords to both, Vishnu’s yellow and Lakshmi’s orange, a contrast not ever thought of. Lord Vishnu is passionately looking into the eyes of Lakshmi.
In Indian thought Lord Vishnu is one of the Great Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva who represent Creation, Sustenance and Dissolution, the only manifest form of God in Hindu way. The 'Puranic' literature weave around Lord Vishnu great magnificence, spiritual aura and the cult of incarnation. Devi Bhagavata acclaims Vishnu to be the earliest to emerge after the Great Deluge and recommence creation. Vishnu fought a thousand battles against 'asuras', and killed demons like Hayagriva, Madhu and Kaitabha, Andhaka, Vritrasura, Nemi, Sumali, Malyavan and many others. Vishnu creates and sustains and his consort Lakshmi or Shri brings riches, fertility and benefaction.
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist