Vishnu with goddesses

Historical period(s)
Eastern Ganga dynasty, 12th-13th century
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H x W: 43.9 x 20 cm (17 5/16 x 7 7/8 in)
Geography
India, Orissa
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1966.15
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Sculpture
Type

Hindu sculpture

Keywords
attendant, conch shell, Eastern Ganga dynasty (700 - 1299), India, Lakshmi, lotus, Sarasvati, shrine, Vishnu
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

Vishnu is one of the three principal Hindu deities.  Here he is shown flanked, on the right, by Shri Lakshmi, goddess of good fortune, and, on the left, by Sarawati, goddess of learning.  The shrine was made for daily domestic worship.  The shrine is mounted on an altar with a drain to carry off fluids used in ritual bathing of the image.  With its base, walls, spire, and water-jar finial, the shrine is a miniature version of Hindu temples built in the eastern state of Orissa during the same period.

Published References
  • Aschwin Lippe. The Freer Indian Sculptures. Oriental Studies Series, no. 8 Washington, 1970. pl. 34-36.
  • Anne Bancroft. Religions of the East. New York. p. 25.
  • , Dr. David R. Nalin, Alice Cheng. Orientations. vol. 51, no. 4. Hong Kong, China, July / August 2020. p. 26, fig. 13.
  • Sadashiv Gorakshkar. A Bronze Shrine of Vishnu in the Freer Gallery of Art. no. 15, 1972. pp. 29-33.
Collection Area(s)
South Asian and Himalayan Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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