Narayana Enthroned with Lakshmi and Sarasvati
c. 1830
Description
In this painting, Narayana, who is considered the absolute supreme deity in Hinduism, is enthroned. In Vaishnavism, a sect that reveres the Hindu god Vishnu as Narayana. Here, Narayana is depicted as Vishnu, one of the members of the Hindu Trimurti (Trinity), as conveyed by the accoutrements he bears: a lotus, a mace, a conch shell, and Sudarshana Chakra, which he holds against his lap and is partially obscured by the throne. Sudarshana Chakra is Vishnu’s iconic, spinning, disc-like weapon. Based on the orientation of the inscription and the figures, the female figures attending to Narayana can be identified. The first word is “Lakumi” or “Lakshmi”, thus, at his feet is Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, who has just fastened an anklet onto Narayana. Behind the throne and holding up a fly whisk is Sarasvati, the goddess of knowledge, the arts, and music. Pahari Style, Kangra School.
Dimensions
sight: 23 x 15.8 cm (9 1/16 x 6 1/4 in.)
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