Description
Ferocious and destructive for those who trouble his devotees, Lord Vishnu his incarnation as Narasimha, the man-lion, nevertheless holds up here his right hand in a gesture of blessing, signifying that he is but benevolent to his devotees. This tellingly rendered sculpture thus very effectively brings out both these qualities of the Supreme Lord Vishnu. Energy pulsates through Narasimha's entire form. The maximum effect of the composition is situated in Narasimha's mouth, with a superbly rendered mane, high nostrils, and the furrowing brow capped by a befittingly majestic crown. His lower limbs are covered by a traditional Indian dhoti, and he stands with the two legs pointing away from each other. A chakra, conch, and mace adorn his three hands. An eleven-headed serpent with upraised hoods frames his face, adding to the sinister look of the sculpture.
