
Viṣṇu through the eyes of sculptors, painters, and craftsmen across the ages
Vishnu Trivikrama — 7th century CE, Badami cave temple. The dwarf Vamana who grew to stride across the universe in three steps.
Vishnu Narayana — Chola granite, 11th century CE. The preserver reclines on the serpent Ananta, Lakshmi at his feet.
Varaha Avatar — Udayagiri Caves, c. 400 CE. The boar-headed god lifts the earth goddess Bhudevi from the cosmic ocean.
Krishna — Pahari miniature, c. 1810–20. The most beloved avatar: flute-player, butter-thief, charioteer of Arjuna.
Narasimha — 12th century CE, Belur. The man-lion avatar tears open the demon who thought himself immortal.