c. 1850

Vishnu-Krishna Manifests His Cosmic Form

Krishna reveals his cosmic nature in this image. In his four hands he holds the characteristic attributes of the god Vishnu, of whom he is an incarnation. They are the lotus flower, the conch, the disk, and the mace. Within his body he embraces all reality: animals and demons can be seen in the lower parts while gods and devotees are portrayed above. At the center of the figure, where the most powerful energy coalesces, Vishnu appears as the creator of the universe, lying on the great serpent Adishesha.