Vishnu

Abstract

Full view; A rare example of a 7th-century stone image of the Hindu god Vishnu from eastern India. Although this sculpture's hands, which would have held identifying attributes, are missing, the figure is identified as Vishnu by his crown and the treatment of his hair, which is neatly coiffed and distinguishes Vishnu from Shiva, whose hair is usually matted. Vishnu is the Great Preserver in the Hindu pantheon and is often portrayed in jewels and ornaments befitting a royal figure. This sculpture and other pieces in the same style are often associated with the rule of King Adityasena, a member of the Later Gupta dynasty that ruled parts of north and northeastern India in the third quarter of the 7th century. The association is based on the discovery of an inscriptionat Apsadh that gives a genealogy for Adityasena and his family and records the building of a temple dedicated to Vishnu. A large mound in the center of the city has been partially excavated and is believed to be Vishnu's temple, which apparently was decorated with numerous stucco sculptures that are thought to illustrate scenes from the <I>Ramayana</I>, the great Hindu epic poem. It is not certain that this particular image of Vishnu was originally housed in the temple; however, given the sculpture's quality, and Adityasena's interest in Vishnu, it seems likely that it was once prominently displayed in either this temple or somewhere else in the city.