“Perumal”- the great Lord in Hindu tradition is the Tamil epithet for Sri Vishnu, the preserver god in Hinduism, who undertakes the herculean task of sustaining life on earth and maintaining an unwavering and eternal balance.
Sri Vishnu is the supreme father- “Pita” on whom rests the responsibility for every life form. True to his nature, this humongous Perumal Vishnu Panchaloha bronze icon presents the preserver god in a firm posture, standing like a divine pillar that supports the Srishti (Universe).
An ornate aureole with Makara (composite mythical animal, a symbol of divinity and royalty) curving on the pillars and Kirtimukha (face of glory) with Makara flanking it on the top, halos this stunning Sri Vishnu bronze, an artistic manifestation of Lord Perumal’s prowess in South Indian Vaishnava tradition.
Sri Vishnu Perumal in this Panchaloha statue is standing on an inverted lotus in the “Sampada-sthanaka” posture, which magnificently brings out the balance and oceanic stillness embodied by Bhagwan Vishnu. An elongated Kiritamukuta (Vaishnava crown) with delicate chains frames the angelic visage of Lord Perumal, which is adorned by a U-shaped tilak (auspicious mark), elegantly curving eyebrows, lotus eyes, sharp nose, and full lips.
Vishnu’s distinctive Makarakrita (Makara-shaped) Kundala (earrings), intricately sculpted Ratna-mala (jeweled necklace), Skandha-aabhushana (shoulder ornament), Baajubanda (arm bands), bracelets, Udarabandha (belly belt), anklet and Makara-studded girdle (waist belt) fitting the stature of the Lord of Universe Vishnu are attributes that further beautify this arresting Perumal bronze.
Highlighting Vishnu’s impressive physique is a three-stranded Yajnopavita (sacred thread) that flows on his torso as three rivers meandering across an unending (Ananta) landscape, and the Srivatsa, a triangular motif on the right side of Vishnu’s chest that represents Sri Lakshmi.
Veiling the regal Yali (horse and lion composite) on the aureole pillars of this Panchaloha Vishnu icon are Sri Hanuman and Garuda, ornamented with fine jewelry, standing with their hands folded in a devotional mood. Lord Hanuman, the famed devotee of Bhagawan Rama is connected to all the incarnations of the preserver Lord on Earth, as his divine aid in fulfilling the duties of protecting Srishti.
The king of birds, Garuda, on the other hand, is associated with the heavenly realm of Vishnu- Vaikuntha, serving as its guardian and Bhagwan Vishnu’s mount. On the pedestal of this bronze, the Perumal murti are the miniature idols of Dashavatara- the ten incarnations of Sri Vishnu, taken by the preserver Lord when his children were troubled by the forces of evil and faced the danger of eradication.
The first row depicts- Kurma (tortoise) avatar, Narasimha (the man-lion form), Matsya avatar (fish incarnation), and Varaha (wild boar-faced) incarnation. The second row on the base of the pedestal presents the incarnations in separate arched brackets, housing- Vamana (dwarf form), Parashurama, Rama, Balarama (Krishna’s elder brother), Sri Krishna and Hayagriva (horse-faced) incarnation.
Accompanied by his 10 incarnations, guardians, and devotees- Hanuman and Garuda, and Sri Lakshmi residing on his chest, this four-armed, Chaturbhuja roopa of Perumal Sri Vishnu in pure Panchaloha bronze is an absolute and aesthetic representation of Chola bronze iconography, that entrancingly assures the heart of the expansiveness and powers of Lord Perumal.
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