Vishnu as Narayana
Description
The painting narrates an episode from Vishnu Purana, establishing Krishna as an incarnation of Vishnu. According to the story, there was a time when the earth was overburdened with demons. One amongst them was demon Kalnemi who was reborn as Kansa, the king of Mathura. The earth, then taking the form of a cow went to the gods. All of them, including Brahma and Indra, then went to Vishnu for help. Vishnu assured the gods that he will descend on earth once again and destroy the demons.
The painting depicts Vishnu and Lakshmi seated on the coils of polysepalous Ananta in the midst of Kshirasagara. Four-faced Brahma along with Indra and other gods are standing in the right corner with a white cow representing the earth. The milky ocean is depicted by aquatic animals floating on the waves. The green grassy area around the ocean suggests the earth.
This theme was mainly popular with the Pahari painters.
Collection
Indian Miniature Paintings
Object Type
Miniature Painting
Material
Paper
Schools/Culture/Period
Medieval
Technique
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Date
c. 1790 CE
Location
Pahari, Kangra
Dimension
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