Boldly and elaborately sculpted in high relief, the central figure is of Vishnu - the Hindu ‘God of Preservation’; he stands in tadasana - facing forward with feet firmly planted, and with an aura of strength. The deity is flanked by acolytes, attendants and avatars (manifestations of Vishnu in varying forms) including Matsya (fish), Narasimha (lion), and Varaha (boar) - that rise in tiers on each side. Beneath these are depicted further gods and goddesses - including Vishnu’s consort, Lakshmi - and nature spirits in the form of nagas (serpents).

In Vishnu’s raised upper arms are held the mace, on the right - representing the power of knowledge; and the chakra (or discus), on the left - to protect the righteous. Each lower hand is supported by a lotus pedestal - the lower left holding a conch shell to pacify the inauspicious; in the centre of his right hand - outstretched in varada mudra - a raised circle represents the lotus bud.

The lowermost part of the central figure’s lotus pedestal has flowering branches that support, on each side, a praying attendant; in the centre - beneath them - the goddess, Devi sits in meditation.

The sculpture is pierced so that the figures stand out from the architectural form - Vishnu standing almost apart from his surroundings, with a striking presence. He wears a tall mukuta (crown), and is further adorned by jewellery and draped with a long garland of pearls.

Height: 110 cm
Width: 57 cm
Depth: 28 cm