Vishnu with Consorts - 06

This is an embellished oleograph of Vishnu with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, by Raja Ravi Varma. Vishnu is depicted here riding on his vahana (vehicle), the mythical bird Garuda. Garuda is generally known as a protector with power to swiftly go anywhere, ever watchful and an enemy of the serpent, represented here as a golden cobra clutched in his talons. In the centre Vishnu carries the disc (chakra) - symbol of speed of thought, and the conch (shankha) - symbol of the five existential elements in his upper hands. In his lower hands he holds a lotus symbolising purity and transcendence, and the gada (mace), a symbol of knowledge and power. This oleograph has been beautifully decorated by the original owner with fabric and sequins.