Yoga Narasimha, Vishnu's Man-Lion Incarnation
Narasimha was an avatar of Vishnu who appeared on earth to slay the evil ruler Hiranyakashipu, who believed himself to be invincible after tricking Brahma into granting him a protective spell. Narasimha is venerated as an embodiment of valor and martial strength; here, he assumes the pose of a meditative yogi after successfully outwitting and slaying the evil king. Narasimha is thus praised as the bringer of peace and order to the world of men. As a meditative yogi, Narasimha assumed Vishnu’s four-armed form and would have carried Vishnu’s weapons—the discus (chakra) and conch—in his raised hands; his lower hands rest passively in meditation.
Artwork Details
- Title: Yoga Narasimha, Vishnu's Man-Lion Incarnation
- Period: Chola period (880–1279)
- Date: 12th century
- Culture: India (Tamil Nadu)
- Medium: Copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 18 3/4 (47.6 cm); W. 13 in. (33 cm); D. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Samuel Eilenberg Collection, Bequest of Samuel Eilenberg, 1998
- Object Number: 2000.284.4
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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