Vishnu

VISHNU

Tra Kieu, Quang Nam | 10th Century | Sandstone | [BTC 142]

In Champa sculpture, Vishnu is not a common subject but Vishnu-inspired artworks are all highly artistic and aesthetic. This piece of art reflects Vishnu resting cross-legged on the snake Ananta. Behind is thirteen snakeheads forming a canopy.

The four arms of the god (from right to left) hold four symbolic objects, including the mace, the sun disc/ wheel (chakra), the snail shell and the lotus (broken). These are classic symbolic features for Vishnu in religious sculpture. Vishnu is the God of Conservation along with Brahma – the God of Creation and Shiva – the Destroyer who form the great Trimurti in Hinduism.

References

1. Official website of Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture: chammuseum.vn
2. Information points and annotations of artifacts at Danang Museum of Cham Sculpture.
3. “Vibrancy in Stone – Masterpieces of the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture”
4. Information guidebook introducing 20 characteristic artifacts at Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture.
5. Presentation of tourist destinations in Da Nang.
6. Web portal of Da Nang city

TDANANG CENTER FOR TOURISM PROMOTION

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