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Stamp (Chhapa) in the Form of Vishnu's Footprints (Vishnupada)

Late 19th - early 20th century
Artist/maker unknown, Indian or Bangladeshi
As part of their religious practice, devotees of Gaudiya Vaishnavism sometimes adorn themselves with auspicious marks using metal stamps (chhapa) coated with a paste made from sandalwood and water. This stamps in the form of Vishnu's footprints bears images of sacred symbols associated with the god, such as the conch shell, the disc (a solar weapon), the fish, and the lotus.

Object Details

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