Vishnu with His Consorts, Lakshmi and Sarasvati
In this extremely large sculpture, the Hindu god Vishnu is attended by his two consorts: to his left, Sarasvati, the goddess of poetry and music; to his right, Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune. The architectural ensemble in which they stand is inhabited by a series of gods, demigods, ascetics, and worshipers. Two river goddesses stand at the base of the columns. Beyond them, at the outer edges in niches, are figures representing the weapons of Vishnu in human form: Gadadevi (his mace) and Chakrapurusha (his war discus). Ganesha occupies the niche at the top left corner; Karttikeya occupies the corresponding spot on the right. The two inner niches house Shiva (left) and Brahma (right).
Artwork Details
- Title: Vishnu with His Consorts, Lakshmi and Sarasvati
- Period: Pala period
- Date: 11th–12th century
- Culture: India (Bihar or West Bengal) or Bangladesh
- Medium: Black stone
- Dimensions: H. 7 ft. 2 in. (218.4 cm); W. 53 11/16 in. (136.3 cm); D. 1 7/8 in. (30.2 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Bequest of Cora Timken Burnett, 1956
- Object Number: 57.51.7a–g
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Eastern India (Bihar)
11th–12th century
India (Bihar, probably Nalanda)
11th century
India (Orissa)
13th century
India (Bihar)
12th century
India, Bihar
12th century
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