On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Vishnu Liberating the Elephant Gajendra
India, Himachal Pradesh, Kangra
In the ancient myth of Gajendramoksha, first told in the eighth book of the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu descends to liberate the elephant Gajendra, a devotee, shown here ensnared by vines in a lotus pond (a deviation from the standard iconography, in which a crocodile attacks the hapless elephant). After Gajendra pleads for intervention from Vishnu, who instantly liberates him, he attains moksha (spiritual release from rebirth) and accompanies the god to his celestial abode of Vaikuntha. The Kangra artist has evoked the warmth of pure devotion (bhakti).
