Studies in Indian Art c12.s14.t2: Second Figure : Four-Armed Vishṇu
Studies in Indian Art c12.s14.t2
- Language
- English
Second Figure : Four-Armed Vishṇu
c12.s14.t2.1
The standing figure next to Ardhanārīśvara is that of four-armed Vishṇu. Vishṇu images make their first appearance in the Mathura art of the Kushāṇa period, and even amongst them, this image is decidedly one of the few earliest specimens which show the connection of Vishṇu with the Bodhisattva iconography of that period. Images of Bodhisattva Maitreya are two-armed, holding the right hand in abhaya mudrā and a nectar flask in the left hand. The earliest Vishṇu images were provided with two additional hands, holding gadā and chakra on the right and left sides respectively The mace tapers downwards, and is touched at the top by Vishṇu with one of his hands.
c12.s14.t2.2
In this relief Vishṇu shows all the above features. Holding gadā on right and chakra on left, he shows his right hand in abhaya mudrā and holds an alabastron with the left hand. There are two other statuettes in the Mathura Museum, No. 933 from Palikhera and No. 948 from Isapur, in which the two front hands are similarly shown. According to the orthodox canons Vishṇu is required to hold padma and śankha in these hands.
c12.s14.t2.3
We have evidence in Mathurā art that the amṛita ghaṭa was soon replaced by the conch, held in the front left hand near the girdle. But the abhaya attitude continued much longer, probably accommodating the lotus in the palm of the right hand.
c12.s14.t2.4
The miniature figure on the left of Vishṇu is not very distinct, but in all probability his vehicle, Garuḍa, seated to front.