Perumal, also known as Thirumal, in Tamil Nadu, is considered to be one of the true names of God Vishnu. Bhagawan Perumal is often depicted as a deity having a dark complexion. His name finds its first mention in the Sangam, the earliest known literature of South India. There he is described as the god of Mullai (Forest) Land. He is worshipped as the Supreme God of the Universe, by the Tamil Vaishnavite sects and the Iyengar Brahmins.
This statue is sculpted from the famous black stones of Mahabalipuram. Lord Perumal is sitting on his mount, the Garuda, the large mythological eagle-like bird mentioned in epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. He is the enemy of serpents. In this depiction, the Garuda is overpowering a serpent. Perumal here has ten hands. Nine are holding: a chakra, a conch shell, a bow, an arrow, an elephant goad, a noose, a trident, a mace, a lotus. The tenth hand is held up in Abhaya mudra. Over his head is the five-headed king of snakes, Sheshnaaga. Lord Perumal is embellished with beautiful ornaments and a majestic crown. This masterpiece stands over a finely shaped block of a stone pedestal. Lord Perumal is revered as the abolisher of evils and the source of immorality. He is widely worshipped by the people of Tamil Nadu. He was also glorified by the Alwar saints, who were ardent devotees of Lord Vishnu, during the 8th century.
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