Shree Lakshmi Narayan

Beautifully decorated oleograph of “Shree Lakshmi Narayan” (Lakshmi and Vishnu) by the artist Vasudeo H. Pandya. The oleograph is signed and dated 1922. Published by Shree
Vasudeo Picture Co, Jarivallas Chall, Arthur Road, Tardeo, Bombay.
Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, fortune, love, beauty, joy and prosperity. Lakshmi holds a lotus in one hand, and the other hand is shown in abhaya (without fear) and varadamudra (dispensing boons). Vishnu is the sustainer of the universe and occasionally descends to earth assuming various forms (avatars) to redress the balance between good and evil; and is hence known as the preserver. Vishnu is depicted holding in his hands the shankha (conch), the symbol of the five existential elements, the chakra (discus), a symbol of the speed of thought, the padma (lotus) symbol of the power of illusion from which the universe originates and the impulse towards liberation, and the gada (mace), a symbol of knowledge and power. This oleograph has been beautifully decorated by the original owner with sequins. A couple of these have come loose over time within the frame.