The upper right arm holds the mace. "The mace is the power of knowledge" (Vishnu Purana), which dazzles and intoxicates the mind, hence it is called the stupefier-of-the-mind (Kaumodaki).
The lower left hand holds the discus. The discus of Vishnu is called 'the beauteous sight,' known in Sanskrit as Sudarshana. It represents the limitless power which invents and destroys all the spheres and forms of the universe, the nature of which is to revolve.
The upper left arm holds the lotus. The lotus symbolizes the universe, the flower that unfolds in all its glory from the formless endlessness of the causal waters. The immaculate lotus rising from the depth of the water and ever remote from the shore is also associated with the notion of purity.
The yellow scarf around his shoulders spreads out in rhythmic curves. The lower part too is draped in a similarly colored dhoti. On his forehead Vishnu sports the distinctive Vaishnavite U-shaped tilaka known as Urdhapundara. Similar Vaishnavite marks adorn his hands allover.
A unique aspect of this portrait of Vishnu is his crown, shaped like a conical skullcap, topped with an arc-shaped diadem.
Of Related Interest:
Vishnu An Introduction
Shesha-shayi Vishnu, Madhu-Kaitabha and Adishakti
Lord Vishnu with Lakshmi on Sheshnag
Dash Avataar - The Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu
Twenty Four Incarnations of Vishnu
The Ten MahaVidyas and ten Incarnations of Vishnu
Sri Vishnu
Tales of Vishnu
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